Nagar Brahmins
Encyclopedia
Nagar Gujarati Brahmins are believed to be one of the oldest of the Brahmin
groups.
, having immigrated to the Indian plains from Balkh
in Central Asia. They must have passed through the Hindu Kush
to either Trivishtapa or Tibet; later through Kashmir (Kashmir is Central Asia and its original borders are close to Tajikistan) and settled around Kurukshetra.
The surname Majumdar was used by tax collectors in the state of Gujarat under the rule of King Sayajirao Gayakwad.
The earliest written source dealing with the origin of the Nagars is the Skanda Purana which contains some 81,000 Slokas, or hymns. With a view to predate the Brahmin Dharma against Buddhist beliefs, Skanda Gupta and the vallabhi emperors sponsored various writers to write the Skanda Purana between 300 and 770 A.D. Elite Brahmins called Nagars were tasked with furthering the Brahmin religion. These Nagars were expert religious interpreters and were working without salary but the kings gave them land for maintenance instead. Most lived around Vadnagar or Anandnagar but they traveled extensively and are supposed to have established the shiv belief in Egypt, Babylon, Brazil, Kabul, Indo-china and Cambodia. It is said that after the death of emperor Ashoka (232 B.C.) the Shakas and Yavanas made inclusions.(www.nagar-setu.com)
It is believed by some that before the Nagars arrived in Gujarat in 404 A.D., they lived in Sindh. According to Sir Herbert Risley, Nagars are "Shaks" & "Dravids." Dr. Bhandaarkar considered Nagars as having their origins outside the country. Nagars first settled in Kashmir and then they spread out into the states of Rajasthan, Punjab, Utter Pradesh, Bengal, Malva, and Gujarat. After migrating from Kurukshetra they had first settled in Anandpur - now known as Vadnagar.
Alternatively the Nagars may be of Greek
origin{http://knol.google.com/k/nagars-history-and-culture}. When Alexander the Great invaded India, his army passed through Kashmir and while returning, many Greek soldiers settled in Kashmir. Contact with the Pundit community of Kashmir produced progeny now known as Nagars. Afterwards, Nagars migrated to other parts of the country. The physical appearance of Nagars and Greeks remain similar even today.
A Nagar historian from Junagadh, Shri Shambhuprasad Desai, claimed in his history of the Nagars that Nagars first came from Greece, Macedonia
, Syria
or the surrounding area. In support of this, there are Nagar grounds in Jordan
and Israel
, a place called Nagar in Syria
and a Nagar community in Iran
. They might have come from there first to Kangda (previously Nagarkot) of the Himalayas. "NAG" means mountain and "NAAG" refers to the people living in the mountains. "R" is a word of sixth tense. All these three put together becomes " NAAGARA " This led him to believe that the Nagars must have originally lived in a mountainous region.
Current research speculates the Aryan origin to be Hatak or Ladhakh, where the predominant deity is Hatak, Hatkesh or Hatkeshwar. According to the Skandapurana, the land of Hatkeshwar was a gift from Lord Shiva
for the Nagars to colonize.
Another version of the legend claims the King of Anarta rebuilt an abandoned city, Chamatkarpur, and consecrated a temple to Hatkeshwar to show his gratitude to the Brahmins.
Through the years, and many name changes, the town is currently known as Vadnagar. The inhabitants of the city were known as Nagars.
The city of Vadnagar was invaded periodically and the Nagars sought refuge in the nearby areas of Saurashtra and Rajasthan while attempting to observe and preserve the code in order to maintain their identity.
Following King Vishaldev's conquest of Gujarat around A.C.E. 1040, the King of Ajmer established the cities of Vishnagar (formerly Vishalnagar), Chitrod (or Chitakutpati), Prashnipur, Krashnor, and Sathod (or Shatpad). He offered these cities to the Brahmins who were descended from the Nagars of Vadnagar.
As per the origin place of the Nagars, gradually they are called with. Like Visnagara from Visnagar, Vadnagara from Vadnagar, Prashnora from Prashnipur (Rajasthan) now settled in Bhavnagar and other region in Gujarat, Krashnora from Krashnor, Sathodara from Shatpad etc.
, having gone to India
from Southern Europe and Central Asia. They migrated through the Hindu Kush
to either Trivishtapa or Tibet
. Later they travelled through Kashmir
and settled around Kurukshetra
.
One belief is that when Alexander the Great invaded India, his army came through the present day Kashmir. When Alexander went back, some of the Greek soldiers stayed and married girls of Kashmiri Pundits. References to such marriages are found
Nagars are believed to be the progeny of this liaison and have therefore acquired the physical features and strength of the Greek soldiers and the intelligence of the Kashmiri Pundits. "But this is not true, as Nagar history dates back to 10,000 years BC,supported by Nagar Khand in Skandh Puran [Nagar chapter given in Skandh Puran,a sacred religious book of Hindus world wide which is 15000 years old]".
Another interesting and more convincing account about the origin of Nagars has been given by Shri Shambhuprasad Desai of Junagadh, according to whom Nagars first came from Greece
, Macedonia, Syria
or regions surrounding these places. There are places called Nagar in Jordan
, and also in Israel
. Also there is also a Nagar community in Iran
, who are intelligent, famous and well known as good and efficient administrators. They might have gone there via Kangda (old Nagarkot) of the Himalayas
.
The word "nag" means a "mountain" and "naag" means persons living in a mountain region. "R" is a word of the sixth tense. All these three put together becomes "Naagara" This leads us to believe that Nagars must be living in the beginning in the regions surrounded by mountains. (Nagar - a man protected by a mountain.)
Current research speculates the Aryan origin to be Hatak, where the predominant deity is Hatak, Hatkesh or Hatkeshwar. According to the Skandapurana, the land of Hatkeshwar was a gift from Lord Shiv for the Nagars to colonize. This after Lord Shiv created Nagars to celebrate his marriage to Uma.
In mythology, the origin of Nagars is linked to the marriage of Lord Shiv to Uma. Lord Shiva created a sect of Brahmins to perform his marriage with Uma and asked these Brahmins to settle in the Hatkeshwar kshetra. Another tale depicting the origin of Nagars goes telling the story of a Brahmin boy Kratha who was once roaming about Nag Lok-Nag Tirth the abode of Nags (Serpents) and while roaming he happen into a confrontation with Rudamal- the Nag prince. Rudamal got killed in the confrontation. Enraged by the killing of his son, the Nag King vowed to destroy the entire community of the killer of his son and in the process invaded the town, which is believed to be the present day Vadnagar, where Kratha- the Brahmin boy, lived. Several of the Brahmin families living in the town were killed and several families fled the town. The fleeing Brahmin families took refuge with Trijat, a great saint and an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. Trijat advised the Brahmins to worship and please Lord Shiva, which they did. Lord Shiva, however, expressed his inability in destroying the Nags as they were also his devotees. He however, blessed the Brahmins with the powers with the help of which the Brahmins could nullify the poison of the Nags. The Brahmins returned to their town with the blessings of Lord Shiva and were called Nagars- Na- Gar i.e. without any poison. (The Nagar community is therefore also revered as the most sacred among the Brahmins as they do not possess any poison in them in the form of any evils). However, when the Brahmins returned to their town they had grown very old (vriddha) and therefore the town was known as Vriddha Nagar or the city of the old. The name later became Vadnagar. Incidentally, Lord Krishna was also referred to as Nag- Har since he destroyed Kaliya in the river Yamuna.
Another similar story says that the Brahmins of Chamatkarpur were frequently persecuted by the community of Naags. It is believed that a child widow, named Bhattika was kidnapped by them. This led to a bitter fight between the Brahmins of Chamatkarpur and Naags. It happened during the reign of King Prabhanjna. A son was born in his house at an inauspiscious time. At his request, the Brahmins of Chamatkarpur performed a sacrifice for “shanty” (peace) but all they got in return was an epidemic.
The Brahmins came to learn from the fire god that some one among them was not pure. One Prabhavdatta wore the cap, went to the forest, practiced penance and propitiated Lord Shiv. The Brahmins of chamatkarpur who were persecuted by Naag community sought shelter from Prabhavdatta, who had now the blessings of Lord Shiv. Lord Shiv gave them the Nagara Mantra by which the Naags could be subdued. The Brahmins of Chamatkarpur thereafter once again fought the Naags and defeated them. They accepted Prabhavdatta as their leader and since then Prabhavdatta is known as Bhartiyajna.
The famous savant, Manshankar Pitamberdas Mehta identifies Prabhanjna of Anarta country with the Kshatrapa ruler of Gujarat, King Rudradaman-II. He comes to the conclusion that the fight of the Vadnagara Nagar Brahmins with the Naag community took place in AD 347 and that Vadnagar was regained by the Nagars in AD 348. Hence the significance of the Samvat Year 404 corresponding to AD 348 is invariably referred to by the Vadnagar Nagar Brahmins in the Uptamani, which is read at the end of the Marriage ceremony.
It is said that a man of a very low caste once impersonated a Nagar and married a Nagar girl. When the truth came to the knowledge of the girl she burnt herself to death. After this incident, Prabhavdatta of Bhartiyajna, who had by then laid down special rules and regulations for the benefit of Nagars, declared that no one should have his daughter married without making proper enquiries and thus the custom of reading the Uptamani (the names of the leading members of the two families and other members of the community) came into existence- from Samvat Year 404 or AD 348.
It is also believed that before Nagars first came to Gujarat in AD 404, they lived in Sindh. Legend has it, this land (along with money) was awarded to the Nagars by King Chamatkar of Anarta for having saved his life. According to the story, the King was out on a hunt when he killed a deer suckling her young. The deer placed a curse on the King. As a result of the curse, the King developed leukoderma. In the area, lived a small village of Brahmins, who, with the use of herbs, cured the King of his illness. King Chamatkar was thankful and offered them, as a reward, money and land. The Brahmins were men of high principle and believed in austere living; they refused the Kings offerings. The queen then went to the village and spoke with the wives of the Brahmin. She persuaded 68 of the 72 into accepting the offer. The four who refused, left the village for the Himalayas with their family. Those who remained are called the founders of the Nagar family descendant identity or "Gotra".
Another version of the legend claims the King of Anarta rebuilt an abandoned city, Chamatkarpur, and consecrated a temple to Hatkeshwar to show his gratitude to the Brahmins.
Through the years, and many name changes, the town is currently known as Vadnagar. The inhabitants of the city were known as Nagars.
As time passed, the city of Vadnagar was invaded on more than one occasion. Nagars sought refuge in the nearby areas of Saurashtra and Rajasthan. During this time, they did their best to observe and preserve the code, to guard their identity.
After King Vishaldev conquered Gujarat (around AD 1040), the King of Ajmer established the cities of Vishnagar (formerly Vishalnagar), Chitrod (or Chitakutpati), Prashnipur, Krashnor, and Sathod (or Shatpad). He offered these cities to the Brahmins who were descendants or an offshoot of the Nagars from Vadnagar.
Around great men gathers many a legend that obscures history. But what is history if not legend agreed upon? This applies equally to Nagars - a great social group. The earliest written book dealing with the origin of Nagars is the Skand Purana containing some 81,000 Slokas. With a view to prorogate the Brahmin Dharma as against the Buddh belief various writers wrote the Skand Purana from AD 300 to 770 sponsored by Skand Gupta and vallabhi emperors. The elite Brahmins, called Nagars were assigned the task of furthering the Brahmin religions. These Nagars were expert interpreters of religion and were working without salary. Mostly they inhabited around Vadnagar or Anandnagar. The kings therefore gave them land for maintenance. These Nagars travelled far and wide and established the shiv
belief in Egypt
, Babylon
, Brazil
, Kabul
, Indochina
and Cambodia
. It is said that after the death of emperor Ashoka (232 B.C.) the Shakas and Yavanas made inclusions.
was a saint from the Nagar community. (Nagar brahmin is a separate community and they are gor of Nagars) Mahatma Gandhi
included his famous bhajan `Vaishnava Jana to tenere kahiye' in his daily prayers. This devotional song has become so popular that it has been rendered into almost all Indian and many non-Indian languages. Herein are idealised the virtues of a gentleman. They are so universal that every social thinker would endorse them, and accept them as his own ideal.
Vaishnava Jana to tenere kahiyeje, je peed parayi jaane re...
He is a Vaishnava who feels for the suffering of another
And forgets the good he does to another, never taking pride in it.
Who cares not for the praise and condemnation of the world nor himself indulges in it.
He is not attached to women and wealth; such a one is praiseworthy and a jewel to his family.
He is the same to all, is desireless and the women of others he considers like unto his mother.
He never speaks falsehood nor has he his eye on another one's wealth.
He is no slave of any passion or attachment, and the spirit of renunciation rules his mind.
His heart is fixed on the Lord, whom he is restless to meet, really his body is indeed a pilgrim's garb.
He is neither avaricious, nor vile nor a victim to wrath and desire.
Says Narsi, verily that such a person shall find release from the cycle of rebirth.
There are several surnames used in various regions in Gujarat.
Kavi Kant
- Well Known Gujarati Poet. (Prashnora Nagar)
U.N. Dhebar - President Indian National Congress, Lawyer by trade. (Nagar Brahmin)
Uchharangrai Navalshankar Dhebar (1905–1977) was active in India's struggle for Independence, and later served as Chief Minister of Saurashtra, and President of the Indian National Congress. As a freedom fighter and right hand to Gandhiji, Dhebar is one of the keys to helping India gain Independence from the British in 1947. He was born on September 21, 1905 in the hamlet of Gangajala, eleven miles from Jamnagar in Gujarat. He belonged to the Nagar community. After his university education, he started a legal practice and from the very beginning gained a name as a reputable lawyer. Under the influence of Mahatma Gandhi he left his promising legal career in 1936 and devoted himself to national service and freedom fighting for the country he loved. In 1941 Dhebar was selected by Gandhiji to offer Individual Satyagraha at Viramgam. He was arrested and sentenced to six months imprisonment. In 1942 he was again arrested during the Quit India Movement. On the attainment of independence, Dhebar played a prominent role in the merger of the States of Kathiawad in the Indian Union and then in the formation of the Kathiawad Union known as 'Saurashtra'. He was elected as Chief Minister of Saurashtra in 1948. During his administration several reform were introduced in Saurashtra for the uplift of Villages. In 1955 he was elected President of the Indian National Congress. He continued in that position for five years, till 1959. His first act as the President was to assemble the top leaders of the Congress for a week in a conference to decide how the Congress could best serve the nation. Historically, he is remembered even today in the political circle. In 1962 he was elected to the Lok Sabha. Dhebar was connected with several institutions rendering social and educational services to the country. He was awarded Padma Vibhushan in 1973.
Bapppa Rawal: Ancestor of Maharana Pratap. ( Reference: Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan)
"The actual conqueror of Chitor, Bapa or Bappa,
is said in inscriptions to have belonged to the branch known as
Nagar, or ' City ' Brahmans which has its present headquarters
at the town of Vadnagar in the Baroda State. Tliis conversion
of a Brahman into a Rajput is at first sight starthng, but the fact
implies that the institution of caste, as we observe it, was then
only imperfectly estabfished, and there was no difficulty in
believing that a Brahman could be ancestor of a princely house
which now claims descent from the Sun"
Lt.Sh.Vinu Mankad,Indian Cricketer -vadnagara nagar from Jamnagar.
Mahesh Bhatt
- Film Director (Prashnora Nagar)
Pooja Bhatt
- Film Actress (Prashnora Nagar)
Shri P.P Vora - Former Chairman, IDBI Bank
Shri Rasbihari Desai and Smt. Vibha Desai - Well-known singers, composer- professor of physics and asst. commissioner of Income tax -
Dr. Sarvesh Pramodray Vora - Eminent Sanskrit Scholar, Thinker & Philosopher. Recipient of National Award from His Holiness 14th Dalai Lama. Author of books on Navkar, Bhagvadgeeta and Osho.
Wing CDR - Gantavya Pankaj Antani - Gold medalist throughout his career and currently serving motherland
Shri Gaurang Vyas - son of shri avinash vyas and well-known and fantastic composer and arranger
Indrajit Vaishnav (Retd.IGP - Gujarat)
Dr. P.K. Dave - Former Director of AIIMS and Padma Shri Awardee. Currently Chairperson of Rockland Hospital, delhi.
Dr. Satish Vyas - Writer and critic Gujarati Drama Literature ( PRASHNORA NAGAR )
Dinesh Shukla - TV Actor( PRASHNORA NAGAR )
Jagdip Virani- Poet, Singer, Painter, Violinist, Composer from Bhavnagar. (Prashnora Nagar)
Ravi Dave - Eminent theatre personality of Hindi Theatre from Calcutta.
Late Shri Nanalal Vaikunthray Vora - Scholar of Sanskrit and Hindustani Classical Music. Senior academician
Alka Yagnik
- Well Known playback singer of Indian Film Industry.
Urmila Nagar - Renowned Kathak dancer and Vocalist awarded by President of India with Sangeet Natak Academy award for her contribution to performing arts.
Shri Jawahar Baxi - a very well known Gujarati poet and "Gazalkar". "Narmad Award" winner Shri Baxi is a very prolific speaker and authority not only on Gujarati Literature but also on philosophy.
Vijaykumar M Trivedi Lawyer and Politician Minister in Gujarat/>
PADMASHREE Pt.Balwantrai Gulabrai Bhatt - Blind Classical Singer trained under Pandit Omkarnathji at Varanasi( PRASHNORA NAGAR )
Uday Majmudar - Singer
Vishal Nagar - One of the most promising young Tabla virtuoso.
Shyamal / Saumil / Aarti Munshi - Singers
Shri Dilip Dholakia - Music Director
Pandit Vinayak Vora one of the few players of a relatively rare instrument, the Taar Shehnai
Rasbihari Desai one of the most illustrious disciples of the renowned flautist, Pannalal Ghosh.
Ashit Desai singer and composer of rare merit. He has the distinction of having assisted Pandit Ravi Shankar on various prestigious projects
Hasit Vora Mayor, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation
Tanuja Munshi Classical singer, Classical Music teacher from Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Dipti Desai - Classical Singer from Bhavnagar
1) Niraj & 2)Uttank- Sons of Vinayak Vora 1) a Film Director Dialogue writer, Actor and 2) Musician.
Sheth Ranchhodlal Chhotalal (known as Ranchhodlal Rantiawala) who set up the first textile mills at Ahmedabad: the first in Gujarat. As a president of Ahmedabad Municipality, provided drinking water in tape to city at his own expenses.
Sir Chinubhai Madhawlal Baronet Grand son of Sheth Ranchhodlal Chhotalal-the pioneer of textile industry in Gujarat, a great philanthropist of his time in Gujarat.
Shri Manilal Nabhubhai Dwivedi - whose contribution in Gujarati literature was marked as the beginning of "Pandit Age."
Shri Yashodhar Mehta: a well-known writer of Gujarati literature and also an astrologer.
Shri Indulal Yagnik: a well-known freedom fighter, popularly known as "Indu Chacha"; a member of parliament for several terms.
Sir Chimanlal Mehta: a very able administrator (Diwan of Palitana state) in old princely states of Gujarat.
Shri Gautam Kantharia: an established management consultant in pharmaceutical industry in India.
Shri Govardhanram Madhavram Tripathi an author of famous and widely read novel in Gujarati: "Saraswatichandra
".
Shri Narsinghrao Bholanath Divetia a very well known poet in Gujarati literature.
Shri Balashanker Ullasram Kantharia: known in Gujarati literature as "mast-kavi"
Shri Ratnamanirao Bhimrao Jhote Well-known historian and author of "Gujarat Nu Patnagar Amdavad"
Late Shri Chandrabhalji Bhattji Maharaj Rajguru Kota, Rajasthan
Prafullachandra Trivedi CA Retired Head of Accounting of H.L College. In addition to this, he spent two years in jail as a freedom fighter and was a key supporter of the Quit India movement.
Dr Surendra Trivedi FRCS First Cardiothoracic Surgeon in Asia & a pioneer of valve Replacement Surgeries
"Shri Prasanvanadbhai Mehta" - Social activist and chief of Grahak suraksha mandal, Bhavnagar (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/314395.cms)
late shri Pravin M. Bakshi- a famous law reformer, former member-secretary of central law commission of govt. of India.
Late Shri Vasudeo Mehta (Visnagara Nagar)- Eminent Political Journalist, Editor of Sandesh & main columnist in Chitralekha (author of Aa Pelu Russia, famous columns Rajkaran Na Rang, Bharat Nu Mahabharat)
late shri RAMPRASAD BAXI A very famous SAHITYAKAR, mumbai/jamnagar
DR. Suresh Baxi a very famous doctor from jamnagar.
Hasit Baxi a very famous flute player from Junagadh.
Shri Harkantrai Desai - pure gandhivadi, 88 years old man who still driving bicycle, active socialist, a renowned politician
Shri Nilkanth D Dholakia - a famous Nagar from Ahmedabad, he is serving selflessly and leading Nagar Community for past several decades.
Vipul Nagar - banaras born nagar Brahmin vipul is eminent theatre personality & presently working as Cluster Programming Head in Radio Mirchi.
Dr. Sindhubhai P. Divatia - One of the first ophthalmologist in Ahmedabad city and had devoted his life to Social Work.
Diwan Bahadur Late Shri. Jayantilal N. Mankar (Mankad) (1895–1977)
British empire honored his services by awarding him heavyweight titles like "Diwan Bahadur" & "Rao Bahadur", union government of India launched special award called "Pranimitra" & he was honored by the same by President of India, founder of "Bombay Humanitarion League" & "Animal Welfare Board of India", ex.justice of peace of bombay, ex.vice president & regional secretary (India & eastern world) of International Vegetarian Union-U.K., world renowned vegetarian who dedicated his entire life & travelled for spreading animal welfare, vegetarianism, & their related Indian philosophy across the globe. He was actively attached with so many Indian, continental & global institutions & government committees as governor, advisor, or trustee like "Vishva hindu parishad", "Indian vegetarian congress" etc.-etc. until last moment.
Bhavesh N. Pattni - Astrologer, Multilingual Poet & Composer, Multilingual writer, Anchor, Audio Video Editor (Prashnora Nagar)
Late Shrimukhrao Laxmilal Mehta (1895–1979) - One of the first Indian members of the prestigious Indian Civil Service which was constituted by the British to provide governance in India. Served in various capacities in the British government in pre-independence India in the state of Assam (incorporated all parts of India east of Bengal). Played a pivotal role in post- independence India in developing industry infrastructure and retired as the first Indian Chief Secretary of the state of Assam in independent India.
Vinu mankad, a wellknown cricket player. in 1952 the test against England was Called "Mankad vs England".
Shree jaysukhlal hathi, Former Governor of Punjab and creative in Politics
Dhvani Desai
, International award winning Animation Filmmaker
Sandip Yajnik, a prominent C.A. and stock market analyst. honorary and visiting stock market analyst on AIR.
NIRMAL PANDYA - MEDIA PERSON (Prashnora Nagar
Shri. Virendra Yagnik, Cultural scholar, Author and a Philanthropist.
Shri. Ajay Yagnik, Wellknown for his unique Sunderkand (Ramayan) recitals.
CA. Aseem Trivedi, Indore, famous author and a popular academician,appointed as trainer for C&AG India
Shri. Harikrushna Pathak, Famous Gujarati Poet
Amritlal Nagar (Hindi: अमृतलाल नागर) born 17 August 1916 in Agra Uttar Pradesh, has been one of the prominent Hindi writers of modern times.[1
Brahmin
Brahmin Brahman, Brahma and Brahmin.Brahman, Brahmin and Brahma have different meanings. Brahman refers to the Supreme Self...
groups.
Overview
Historians suggest that the origin of the Nagars to be AryanAryan
Aryan is an English language loanword derived from Sanskrit ārya and denoting variously*In scholarly usage:**Indo-Iranian languages *in dated usage:**the Indo-European languages more generally and their speakers...
, having immigrated to the Indian plains from Balkh
Balkh
Balkh , was an ancient city and centre of Zoroastrianism in what is now northern Afghanistan. Today it is a small town in the province of Balkh, about 20 kilometers northwest of the provincial capital, Mazar-e Sharif, and some south of the Amu Darya. It was one of the major cities of Khorasan...
in Central Asia. They must have passed through the Hindu Kush
Hindu Kush
The Hindu Kush is an mountain range that stretches between central Afghanistan and northern Pakistan. The highest point in the Hindu Kush is Tirich Mir in the Chitral region of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.It is the westernmost extension of the Pamir Mountains, the Karakoram Range, and is a...
to either Trivishtapa or Tibet; later through Kashmir (Kashmir is Central Asia and its original borders are close to Tajikistan) and settled around Kurukshetra.
The surname Majumdar was used by tax collectors in the state of Gujarat under the rule of King Sayajirao Gayakwad.
The earliest written source dealing with the origin of the Nagars is the Skanda Purana which contains some 81,000 Slokas, or hymns. With a view to predate the Brahmin Dharma against Buddhist beliefs, Skanda Gupta and the vallabhi emperors sponsored various writers to write the Skanda Purana between 300 and 770 A.D. Elite Brahmins called Nagars were tasked with furthering the Brahmin religion. These Nagars were expert religious interpreters and were working without salary but the kings gave them land for maintenance instead. Most lived around Vadnagar or Anandnagar but they traveled extensively and are supposed to have established the shiv belief in Egypt, Babylon, Brazil, Kabul, Indo-china and Cambodia. It is said that after the death of emperor Ashoka (232 B.C.) the Shakas and Yavanas made inclusions.(www.nagar-setu.com)
It is believed by some that before the Nagars arrived in Gujarat in 404 A.D., they lived in Sindh. According to Sir Herbert Risley, Nagars are "Shaks" & "Dravids." Dr. Bhandaarkar considered Nagars as having their origins outside the country. Nagars first settled in Kashmir and then they spread out into the states of Rajasthan, Punjab, Utter Pradesh, Bengal, Malva, and Gujarat. After migrating from Kurukshetra they had first settled in Anandpur - now known as Vadnagar.
Alternatively the Nagars may be of Greek
Greeks
The Greeks, also known as the Hellenes , are a nation and ethnic group native to Greece, Cyprus and neighboring regions. They also form a significant diaspora, with Greek communities established around the world....
origin{http://knol.google.com/k/nagars-history-and-culture}. When Alexander the Great invaded India, his army passed through Kashmir and while returning, many Greek soldiers settled in Kashmir. Contact with the Pundit community of Kashmir produced progeny now known as Nagars. Afterwards, Nagars migrated to other parts of the country. The physical appearance of Nagars and Greeks remain similar even today.
A Nagar historian from Junagadh, Shri Shambhuprasad Desai, claimed in his history of the Nagars that Nagars first came from Greece, Macedonia
Macedonia (region)
Macedonia is a geographical and historical region of the Balkan peninsula in southeastern Europe. Its boundaries have changed considerably over time, but nowadays the region is considered to include parts of five Balkan countries: Greece, the Republic of Macedonia, Bulgaria, Albania, Serbia, as...
, Syria
Syria
Syria , officially the Syrian Arab Republic , is a country in Western Asia, bordering Lebanon and the Mediterranean Sea to the West, Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east, Jordan to the south, and Israel to the southwest....
or the surrounding area. In support of this, there are Nagar grounds in Jordan
Jordan
Jordan , officially the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan , Al-Mamlaka al-Urduniyya al-Hashemiyya) is a kingdom on the East Bank of the River Jordan. The country borders Saudi Arabia to the east and south-east, Iraq to the north-east, Syria to the north and the West Bank and Israel to the west, sharing...
and Israel
Israel
The State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea...
, a place called Nagar in Syria
Nagar, Syria
Tell Brak, ancient Nagar, is a tell, or settlement mound, in the Upper Khabur area in Al-Hasakah Governorate, northeastern Syria. The site was occupied between the sixth and second millennia BCE...
and a Nagar community in Iran
Iran
Iran , officially the Islamic Republic of Iran , is a country in Southern and Western Asia. The name "Iran" has been in use natively since the Sassanian era and came into use internationally in 1935, before which the country was known to the Western world as Persia...
. They might have come from there first to Kangda (previously Nagarkot) of the Himalayas. "NAG" means mountain and "NAAG" refers to the people living in the mountains. "R" is a word of sixth tense. All these three put together becomes " NAAGARA " This led him to believe that the Nagars must have originally lived in a mountainous region.
Current research speculates the Aryan origin to be Hatak or Ladhakh, where the predominant deity is Hatak, Hatkesh or Hatkeshwar. According to the Skandapurana, the land of Hatkeshwar was a gift from Lord 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...
for the Nagars to colonize.
Another version of the legend claims the King of Anarta rebuilt an abandoned city, Chamatkarpur, and consecrated a temple to Hatkeshwar to show his gratitude to the Brahmins.
Through the years, and many name changes, the town is currently known as Vadnagar. The inhabitants of the city were known as Nagars.
The city of Vadnagar was invaded periodically and the Nagars sought refuge in the nearby areas of Saurashtra and Rajasthan while attempting to observe and preserve the code in order to maintain their identity.
Following King Vishaldev's conquest of Gujarat around A.C.E. 1040, the King of Ajmer established the cities of Vishnagar (formerly Vishalnagar), Chitrod (or Chitakutpati), Prashnipur, Krashnor, and Sathod (or Shatpad). He offered these cities to the Brahmins who were descended from the Nagars of Vadnagar.
As per the origin place of the Nagars, gradually they are called with. Like Visnagara from Visnagar, Vadnagara from Vadnagar, Prashnora from Prashnipur (Rajasthan) now settled in Bhavnagar and other region in Gujarat, Krashnora from Krashnor, Sathodara from Shatpad etc.
Origin of Nagars
Historians claim the origin of Nagars to be purely AryanAryan
Aryan is an English language loanword derived from Sanskrit ārya and denoting variously*In scholarly usage:**Indo-Iranian languages *in dated usage:**the Indo-European languages more generally and their speakers...
, having gone to India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
from Southern Europe and Central Asia. They migrated through the Hindu Kush
Hindu Kush
The Hindu Kush is an mountain range that stretches between central Afghanistan and northern Pakistan. The highest point in the Hindu Kush is Tirich Mir in the Chitral region of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.It is the westernmost extension of the Pamir Mountains, the Karakoram Range, and is a...
to either Trivishtapa or Tibet
Tibet
Tibet is a plateau region in Asia, north-east of the Himalayas. It is the traditional homeland of the Tibetan people as well as some other ethnic groups such as Monpas, Qiang, and Lhobas, and is now also inhabited by considerable numbers of Han and Hui people...
. Later they travelled through Kashmir
Kashmir
Kashmir is the northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent. Until the mid-19th century, the term Kashmir geographically denoted only the valley between the Great Himalayas and the Pir Panjal mountain range...
and settled around Kurukshetra
Kurukshetra
Kurukshetra is a land of historical and religious importance. Historically the land belonged to Punjab now a district in Haryana state of India. It is a holy place and is also known as Dharmakshetra . According to the Puranas, Kurukshetra is named after King Kuru, the ancestor of Kauravas and...
.
One belief is that when Alexander the Great invaded India, his army came through the present day Kashmir. When Alexander went back, some of the Greek soldiers stayed and married girls of Kashmiri Pundits. References to such marriages are found
"In 303 BCE. Seleucus I (a commander in Alexander's army) led an army to the Indus in India, where he encountered Chandragupta. The confrontation ended with a peace treaty, and "an intermarriage agreement", meaning either a dynastic marriage or a more general agreement for intermarriage between Indians and Greeks. Accordingly, Seleucus ceded to Chandragupta his northwestern territories as far as Arachosia and received 500 war elephants (which played a key role in the victory of Seleucus at the Battle of Ipsus)."
Nagars are believed to be the progeny of this liaison and have therefore acquired the physical features and strength of the Greek soldiers and the intelligence of the Kashmiri Pundits. "But this is not true, as Nagar history dates back to 10,000 years BC,supported by Nagar Khand in Skandh Puran [Nagar chapter given in Skandh Puran,a sacred religious book of Hindus world wide which is 15000 years old]".
Another interesting and more convincing account about the origin of Nagars has been given by Shri Shambhuprasad Desai of Junagadh, according to whom Nagars first came from Greece
Greece
Greece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe....
, Macedonia, Syria
Syria
Syria , officially the Syrian Arab Republic , is a country in Western Asia, bordering Lebanon and the Mediterranean Sea to the West, Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east, Jordan to the south, and Israel to the southwest....
or regions surrounding these places. There are places called Nagar in Jordan
Jordan
Jordan , officially the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan , Al-Mamlaka al-Urduniyya al-Hashemiyya) is a kingdom on the East Bank of the River Jordan. The country borders Saudi Arabia to the east and south-east, Iraq to the north-east, Syria to the north and the West Bank and Israel to the west, sharing...
, and also in Israel
Israel
The State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea...
. Also there is also a Nagar community in Iran
Iran
Iran , officially the Islamic Republic of Iran , is a country in Southern and Western Asia. The name "Iran" has been in use natively since the Sassanian era and came into use internationally in 1935, before which the country was known to the Western world as Persia...
, who are intelligent, famous and well known as good and efficient administrators. They might have gone there via Kangda (old Nagarkot) of the Himalayas
Himalayas
The Himalaya Range or Himalaya Mountains Sanskrit: Devanagari: हिमालय, literally "abode of snow"), usually called the Himalayas or Himalaya for short, is a mountain range in Asia, separating the Indian subcontinent from the Tibetan Plateau...
.
The word "nag" means a "mountain" and "naag" means persons living in a mountain region. "R" is a word of the sixth tense. All these three put together becomes "Naagara" This leads us to believe that Nagars must be living in the beginning in the regions surrounded by mountains. (Nagar - a man protected by a mountain.)
Current research speculates the Aryan origin to be Hatak, where the predominant deity is Hatak, Hatkesh or Hatkeshwar. According to the Skandapurana, the land of Hatkeshwar was a gift from Lord Shiv for the Nagars to colonize. This after Lord Shiv created Nagars to celebrate his marriage to Uma.
In mythology, the origin of Nagars is linked to the marriage of Lord Shiv to Uma. Lord Shiva created a sect of Brahmins to perform his marriage with Uma and asked these Brahmins to settle in the Hatkeshwar kshetra. Another tale depicting the origin of Nagars goes telling the story of a Brahmin boy Kratha who was once roaming about Nag Lok-Nag Tirth the abode of Nags (Serpents) and while roaming he happen into a confrontation with Rudamal- the Nag prince. Rudamal got killed in the confrontation. Enraged by the killing of his son, the Nag King vowed to destroy the entire community of the killer of his son and in the process invaded the town, which is believed to be the present day Vadnagar, where Kratha- the Brahmin boy, lived. Several of the Brahmin families living in the town were killed and several families fled the town. The fleeing Brahmin families took refuge with Trijat, a great saint and an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. Trijat advised the Brahmins to worship and please Lord Shiva, which they did. Lord Shiva, however, expressed his inability in destroying the Nags as they were also his devotees. He however, blessed the Brahmins with the powers with the help of which the Brahmins could nullify the poison of the Nags. The Brahmins returned to their town with the blessings of Lord Shiva and were called Nagars- Na- Gar i.e. without any poison. (The Nagar community is therefore also revered as the most sacred among the Brahmins as they do not possess any poison in them in the form of any evils). However, when the Brahmins returned to their town they had grown very old (vriddha) and therefore the town was known as Vriddha Nagar or the city of the old. The name later became Vadnagar. Incidentally, Lord Krishna was also referred to as Nag- Har since he destroyed Kaliya in the river Yamuna.
Another similar story says that the Brahmins of Chamatkarpur were frequently persecuted by the community of Naags. It is believed that a child widow, named Bhattika was kidnapped by them. This led to a bitter fight between the Brahmins of Chamatkarpur and Naags. It happened during the reign of King Prabhanjna. A son was born in his house at an inauspiscious time. At his request, the Brahmins of Chamatkarpur performed a sacrifice for “shanty” (peace) but all they got in return was an epidemic.
The Brahmins came to learn from the fire god that some one among them was not pure. One Prabhavdatta wore the cap, went to the forest, practiced penance and propitiated Lord Shiv. The Brahmins of chamatkarpur who were persecuted by Naag community sought shelter from Prabhavdatta, who had now the blessings of Lord Shiv. Lord Shiv gave them the Nagara Mantra by which the Naags could be subdued. The Brahmins of Chamatkarpur thereafter once again fought the Naags and defeated them. They accepted Prabhavdatta as their leader and since then Prabhavdatta is known as Bhartiyajna.
The famous savant, Manshankar Pitamberdas Mehta identifies Prabhanjna of Anarta country with the Kshatrapa ruler of Gujarat, King Rudradaman-II. He comes to the conclusion that the fight of the Vadnagara Nagar Brahmins with the Naag community took place in AD 347 and that Vadnagar was regained by the Nagars in AD 348. Hence the significance of the Samvat Year 404 corresponding to AD 348 is invariably referred to by the Vadnagar Nagar Brahmins in the Uptamani, which is read at the end of the Marriage ceremony.
It is said that a man of a very low caste once impersonated a Nagar and married a Nagar girl. When the truth came to the knowledge of the girl she burnt herself to death. After this incident, Prabhavdatta of Bhartiyajna, who had by then laid down special rules and regulations for the benefit of Nagars, declared that no one should have his daughter married without making proper enquiries and thus the custom of reading the Uptamani (the names of the leading members of the two families and other members of the community) came into existence- from Samvat Year 404 or AD 348.
Migration of Nagars
There is a legend about Bappa Raval, a Nagar Brahmin[presently also many Nagar families have Raval as there surname] of Annandpur, who conquered Chittor from a ruler of the Mori Dynasty and established Mewar. In the inscription of AD 1216 of Prabhaspatan, Vadnagar has been mentioned as “Nagar”. In the seven generations mentioned therein, some are cited as ministers of the kings of Gujarat, while others are believed to have held high posts in the State. Valla, a minister of King Kumarpal who constructed a fort for Vadnagar and build a temple of Lord Shiv, was a Nagar as per the inscription of Vadnagar Prashasti of AD 1152 on the pillars of the Torana Gate of Vadnagar.It is also believed that before Nagars first came to Gujarat in AD 404, they lived in Sindh. Legend has it, this land (along with money) was awarded to the Nagars by King Chamatkar of Anarta for having saved his life. According to the story, the King was out on a hunt when he killed a deer suckling her young. The deer placed a curse on the King. As a result of the curse, the King developed leukoderma. In the area, lived a small village of Brahmins, who, with the use of herbs, cured the King of his illness. King Chamatkar was thankful and offered them, as a reward, money and land. The Brahmins were men of high principle and believed in austere living; they refused the Kings offerings. The queen then went to the village and spoke with the wives of the Brahmin. She persuaded 68 of the 72 into accepting the offer. The four who refused, left the village for the Himalayas with their family. Those who remained are called the founders of the Nagar family descendant identity or "Gotra".
Another version of the legend claims the King of Anarta rebuilt an abandoned city, Chamatkarpur, and consecrated a temple to Hatkeshwar to show his gratitude to the Brahmins.
Through the years, and many name changes, the town is currently known as Vadnagar. The inhabitants of the city were known as Nagars.
As time passed, the city of Vadnagar was invaded on more than one occasion. Nagars sought refuge in the nearby areas of Saurashtra and Rajasthan. During this time, they did their best to observe and preserve the code, to guard their identity.
After King Vishaldev conquered Gujarat (around AD 1040), the King of Ajmer established the cities of Vishnagar (formerly Vishalnagar), Chitrod (or Chitakutpati), Prashnipur, Krashnor, and Sathod (or Shatpad). He offered these cities to the Brahmins who were descendants or an offshoot of the Nagars from Vadnagar.
Around great men gathers many a legend that obscures history. But what is history if not legend agreed upon? This applies equally to Nagars - a great social group. The earliest written book dealing with the origin of Nagars is the Skand Purana containing some 81,000 Slokas. With a view to prorogate the Brahmin Dharma as against the Buddh belief various writers wrote the Skand Purana from AD 300 to 770 sponsored by Skand Gupta and vallabhi emperors. The elite Brahmins, called Nagars were assigned the task of furthering the Brahmin religions. These Nagars were expert interpreters of religion and were working without salary. Mostly they inhabited around Vadnagar or Anandnagar. The kings therefore gave them land for maintenance. These Nagars travelled far and wide and established the shiv
Shiv
The word Shiv or shiv may refer to:* Shiv , a type of sharp weapon* Shiva, a Hindu deity* A fictional location in Magic: The Gathering, see Dominaria* Shiv, a villain in the animated series Static Shock...
belief in Egypt
Egypt
Egypt , officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, Arabic: , is a country mainly in North Africa, with the Sinai Peninsula forming a land bridge in Southwest Asia. Egypt is thus a transcontinental country, and a major power in Africa, the Mediterranean Basin, the Middle East and the Muslim world...
, Babylon
Babylon
Babylon was an Akkadian city-state of ancient Mesopotamia, the remains of which are found in present-day Al Hillah, Babil Province, Iraq, about 85 kilometers south of Baghdad...
, Brazil
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
, Kabul
Kabul
Kabul , spelt Caubul in some classic literatures, is the capital and largest city of Afghanistan. It is also the capital of the Kabul Province, located in the eastern section of Afghanistan...
, Indochina
Indochina
The Indochinese peninsula, is a region in Southeast Asia. It lies roughly southwest of China, and east of India. The name has its origins in the French, Indochine, as a combination of the names of "China" and "India", and was adopted when French colonizers in Vietnam began expanding their territory...
and Cambodia
Cambodia
Cambodia , officially known as the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia...
. It is said that after the death of emperor Ashoka (232 B.C.) the Shakas and Yavanas made inclusions.
Narsinh Mehta (1414–1481)
Narsi Mehta Narsinh MehtaNarsinh Mehta
Narsinh Mehta also known as Narsi Mehta or Narsi Bhagat was a poet-saint of Gujarat, India, and a member of the Nagar Brahmins community, notable as a bhakta, an exponent of Hindu devotional religious poetry. He is especially revered in Gujarati literature, where he is acclaimed as its Adi Kavi...
was a saint from the Nagar community. (Nagar brahmin is a separate community and they are gor of Nagars) Mahatma Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi , pronounced . 2 October 1869 – 30 January 1948) was the pre-eminent political and ideological leader of India during the Indian independence movement...
included his famous bhajan `Vaishnava Jana to tenere kahiye' in his daily prayers. This devotional song has become so popular that it has been rendered into almost all Indian and many non-Indian languages. Herein are idealised the virtues of a gentleman. They are so universal that every social thinker would endorse them, and accept them as his own ideal.
Vaishnava Jana to tenere kahiyeje, je peed parayi jaane re...
He is a Vaishnava who feels for the suffering of another
And forgets the good he does to another, never taking pride in it.
Who cares not for the praise and condemnation of the world nor himself indulges in it.
He is not attached to women and wealth; such a one is praiseworthy and a jewel to his family.
He is the same to all, is desireless and the women of others he considers like unto his mother.
He never speaks falsehood nor has he his eye on another one's wealth.
He is no slave of any passion or attachment, and the spirit of renunciation rules his mind.
His heart is fixed on the Lord, whom he is restless to meet, really his body is indeed a pilgrim's garb.
He is neither avaricious, nor vile nor a victim to wrath and desire.
Says Narsi, verily that such a person shall find release from the cycle of rebirth.
Typical Nagar last names
Major Nagar groups (Naati) also derived in such way like Vadnagara from Vadnagar, Visnagara from Visnagar, Prashnora from Kathiawad, Sathodra from Sathod and Chitroda from ChitodDerived from Geographical (Village or City) Names
- Anjaria
- Avashia
- Antani
- Bhachech
- Bhatt
- Buch
- Chhaya
- Desai
- Dhebar
- Dholakia
- Dhruva
- Divetia
- Ghoda
- Hathi
- Joshipura
- Kantharia
- Majumdar / Mazumdar
- Mankad or Mankar
- Munshi
- Oza
- Pattani
- Parghi
- Trivedi
- Unakar
- Vahia
- Vasavada
- Veravala
- Vaidya
- Vaishnav
- Vora
- Vyas
- Kachhi
- Kavishwar
- Yagnik
Derived from Family Ancestry
- Antani
- Anantani
- Bavani
- Kikani
- Maknani
- Majmundar
- Premapuri
- Rindani
- Savani
- Vachh(a)rajani
- Vaishnav
Derived from Titles Awarded by Rajput and Muslim Rulers
These rulers ruled Gujarat for about eight centuries. Nagars were on prominent positions and were awarded many titles. These twenty surnames include names such as:- Amin
- Baxi
- Bhagat
- Desai
- Divan
- Janita
- Jathhal
- Jha
- Kothari
- Medh
- Munshi
- Parghi
- Pota
- Swadia
Derived from Professional Titles
Most of Nagars are professionals. Many surnames were derived from the profession they were engaged in. These names include:- Pandit
- Acharya
- Buch
- Druv
- Jikar
- Mandloi
- Mehta
- Nanavati
- Pathak
- Pandit
- Purohit
- Upadhyay
- Vaidya
Other Names
- Bhatt
- Jani
- Dave
There are several surnames used in various regions in Gujarat.
Other Nagar last names in Gujarat
- Thakar
- Shukla
- Vyas
- Derasari
- Desai
- Divatia
- Divetia
- Dwivedi
- Srivatsav
- Srivatsava
- Dixit
- Joshi
- Maharaja
- Naik
- Pathak
- Pathakji
- Raval
- Tripathi
- Trivedi
- Vora
- Pattani
- Yodh
- Yagnik
- Pandya
Famous Nagar Brahmins
.../ SIR PRABHASHANKAR PATTANI ( PRASHNORA NAGAR ) The welknown DIWAN of BHAVNAGAR.. IN DYNASTY OF MAHARAJASAHEB SHRI KRISHNAKUMARSINHJI..Kavi Kant
Kavi kant
Kavi Kant is a poet associated with Gujarat and Gujarati literature.-Life:Kavi Kant was born Manishankar Rataji Bhatt in 1868 in Chavand village, part of the Saurashtra region of Gujarat....
- Well Known Gujarati Poet. (Prashnora Nagar)
U.N. Dhebar - President Indian National Congress, Lawyer by trade. (Nagar Brahmin)
Uchharangrai Navalshankar Dhebar (1905–1977) was active in India's struggle for Independence, and later served as Chief Minister of Saurashtra, and President of the Indian National Congress. As a freedom fighter and right hand to Gandhiji, Dhebar is one of the keys to helping India gain Independence from the British in 1947. He was born on September 21, 1905 in the hamlet of Gangajala, eleven miles from Jamnagar in Gujarat. He belonged to the Nagar community. After his university education, he started a legal practice and from the very beginning gained a name as a reputable lawyer. Under the influence of Mahatma Gandhi he left his promising legal career in 1936 and devoted himself to national service and freedom fighting for the country he loved. In 1941 Dhebar was selected by Gandhiji to offer Individual Satyagraha at Viramgam. He was arrested and sentenced to six months imprisonment. In 1942 he was again arrested during the Quit India Movement. On the attainment of independence, Dhebar played a prominent role in the merger of the States of Kathiawad in the Indian Union and then in the formation of the Kathiawad Union known as 'Saurashtra'. He was elected as Chief Minister of Saurashtra in 1948. During his administration several reform were introduced in Saurashtra for the uplift of Villages. In 1955 he was elected President of the Indian National Congress. He continued in that position for five years, till 1959. His first act as the President was to assemble the top leaders of the Congress for a week in a conference to decide how the Congress could best serve the nation. Historically, he is remembered even today in the political circle. In 1962 he was elected to the Lok Sabha. Dhebar was connected with several institutions rendering social and educational services to the country. He was awarded Padma Vibhushan in 1973.
Bapppa Rawal: Ancestor of Maharana Pratap. ( Reference: Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan)
"The actual conqueror of Chitor, Bapa or Bappa,
is said in inscriptions to have belonged to the branch known as
Nagar, or ' City ' Brahmans which has its present headquarters
at the town of Vadnagar in the Baroda State. Tliis conversion
of a Brahman into a Rajput is at first sight starthng, but the fact
implies that the institution of caste, as we observe it, was then
only imperfectly estabfished, and there was no difficulty in
believing that a Brahman could be ancestor of a princely house
which now claims descent from the Sun"
Lt.Sh.Vinu Mankad,Indian Cricketer -vadnagara nagar from Jamnagar.
Mahesh Bhatt
Mahesh Bhatt
Mahesh Bhatt , is a prominent Indian film director, producer and screenwriter.Bhatt's early directional career consisted of acclaimed films, such as Arth, Saaransh, Janam, Naam and Zakhm....
- Film Director (Prashnora Nagar)
Pooja Bhatt
Pooja Bhatt
Pooja Bhatt is an Indian film actress and model, currently devoting time to film production and direction. She is the daughter of Indian film director Mahesh Bhatt.-Early life:...
- Film Actress (Prashnora Nagar)
Shri P.P Vora - Former Chairman, IDBI Bank
Shri Rasbihari Desai and Smt. Vibha Desai - Well-known singers, composer- professor of physics and asst. commissioner of Income tax -
Dr. Sarvesh Pramodray Vora - Eminent Sanskrit Scholar, Thinker & Philosopher. Recipient of National Award from His Holiness 14th Dalai Lama. Author of books on Navkar, Bhagvadgeeta and Osho.
Wing CDR - Gantavya Pankaj Antani - Gold medalist throughout his career and currently serving motherland
Shri Gaurang Vyas - son of shri avinash vyas and well-known and fantastic composer and arranger
Indrajit Vaishnav (Retd.IGP - Gujarat)
Dr. P.K. Dave - Former Director of AIIMS and Padma Shri Awardee. Currently Chairperson of Rockland Hospital, delhi.
Dr. Satish Vyas - Writer and critic Gujarati Drama Literature ( PRASHNORA NAGAR )
Dinesh Shukla - TV Actor( PRASHNORA NAGAR )
Jagdip Virani- Poet, Singer, Painter, Violinist, Composer from Bhavnagar. (Prashnora Nagar)
Ravi Dave - Eminent theatre personality of Hindi Theatre from Calcutta.
Late Shri Nanalal Vaikunthray Vora - Scholar of Sanskrit and Hindustani Classical Music. Senior academician
Alka Yagnik
Alka Yagnik
Alka Yagnik is an Indian singer who is ranked among the best Hindi playback singers of all time. She is a seven-time winner of the Filmfare Best Female Playback Award as well as a two-time recipient of the prestigious National Film Awards...
- Well Known playback singer of Indian Film Industry.
Urmila Nagar - Renowned Kathak dancer and Vocalist awarded by President of India with Sangeet Natak Academy award for her contribution to performing arts.
Shri Jawahar Baxi - a very well known Gujarati poet and "Gazalkar". "Narmad Award" winner Shri Baxi is a very prolific speaker and authority not only on Gujarati Literature but also on philosophy.
Vijaykumar M Trivedi Lawyer and Politician Minister in Gujarat/>
PADMASHREE Pt.Balwantrai Gulabrai Bhatt - Blind Classical Singer trained under Pandit Omkarnathji at Varanasi( PRASHNORA NAGAR )
Uday Majmudar - Singer
Vishal Nagar - One of the most promising young Tabla virtuoso.
Shyamal / Saumil / Aarti Munshi - Singers
Shri Dilip Dholakia - Music Director
Pandit Vinayak Vora one of the few players of a relatively rare instrument, the Taar Shehnai
Rasbihari Desai one of the most illustrious disciples of the renowned flautist, Pannalal Ghosh.
Ashit Desai singer and composer of rare merit. He has the distinction of having assisted Pandit Ravi Shankar on various prestigious projects
Hasit Vora Mayor, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation
Tanuja Munshi Classical singer, Classical Music teacher from Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Dipti Desai - Classical Singer from Bhavnagar
1) Niraj & 2)Uttank- Sons of Vinayak Vora 1) a Film Director Dialogue writer, Actor and 2) Musician.
Sheth Ranchhodlal Chhotalal (known as Ranchhodlal Rantiawala) who set up the first textile mills at Ahmedabad: the first in Gujarat. As a president of Ahmedabad Municipality, provided drinking water in tape to city at his own expenses.
Sir Chinubhai Madhawlal Baronet Grand son of Sheth Ranchhodlal Chhotalal-the pioneer of textile industry in Gujarat, a great philanthropist of his time in Gujarat.
Shri Manilal Nabhubhai Dwivedi - whose contribution in Gujarati literature was marked as the beginning of "Pandit Age."
Shri Yashodhar Mehta: a well-known writer of Gujarati literature and also an astrologer.
Shri Indulal Yagnik: a well-known freedom fighter, popularly known as "Indu Chacha"; a member of parliament for several terms.
Sir Chimanlal Mehta: a very able administrator (Diwan of Palitana state) in old princely states of Gujarat.
Shri Gautam Kantharia: an established management consultant in pharmaceutical industry in India.
Shri Govardhanram Madhavram Tripathi an author of famous and widely read novel in Gujarati: "Saraswatichandra
Saraswatichandra
Saraswatichandra is a black-and-white Hindi film released in 1968 . It starred Nutan and Manish among others and was directed by Govind Saraiya. It was also the last Bollywood movie to be made in black and white....
".
Shri Narsinghrao Bholanath Divetia a very well known poet in Gujarati literature.
Shri Balashanker Ullasram Kantharia: known in Gujarati literature as "mast-kavi"
Shri Ratnamanirao Bhimrao Jhote Well-known historian and author of "Gujarat Nu Patnagar Amdavad"
Late Shri Chandrabhalji Bhattji Maharaj Rajguru Kota, Rajasthan
Prafullachandra Trivedi CA Retired Head of Accounting of H.L College. In addition to this, he spent two years in jail as a freedom fighter and was a key supporter of the Quit India movement.
Dr Surendra Trivedi FRCS First Cardiothoracic Surgeon in Asia & a pioneer of valve Replacement Surgeries
"Shri Prasanvanadbhai Mehta" - Social activist and chief of Grahak suraksha mandal, Bhavnagar (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/314395.cms)
late shri Pravin M. Bakshi- a famous law reformer, former member-secretary of central law commission of govt. of India.
Late Shri Vasudeo Mehta (Visnagara Nagar)- Eminent Political Journalist, Editor of Sandesh & main columnist in Chitralekha (author of Aa Pelu Russia, famous columns Rajkaran Na Rang, Bharat Nu Mahabharat)
late shri RAMPRASAD BAXI A very famous SAHITYAKAR, mumbai/jamnagar
DR. Suresh Baxi a very famous doctor from jamnagar.
Hasit Baxi a very famous flute player from Junagadh.
Shri Harkantrai Desai - pure gandhivadi, 88 years old man who still driving bicycle, active socialist, a renowned politician
Shri Nilkanth D Dholakia - a famous Nagar from Ahmedabad, he is serving selflessly and leading Nagar Community for past several decades.
Vipul Nagar - banaras born nagar Brahmin vipul is eminent theatre personality & presently working as Cluster Programming Head in Radio Mirchi.
Dr. Sindhubhai P. Divatia - One of the first ophthalmologist in Ahmedabad city and had devoted his life to Social Work.
Diwan Bahadur Late Shri. Jayantilal N. Mankar (Mankad) (1895–1977)
British empire honored his services by awarding him heavyweight titles like "Diwan Bahadur" & "Rao Bahadur", union government of India launched special award called "Pranimitra" & he was honored by the same by President of India, founder of "Bombay Humanitarion League" & "Animal Welfare Board of India", ex.justice of peace of bombay, ex.vice president & regional secretary (India & eastern world) of International Vegetarian Union-U.K., world renowned vegetarian who dedicated his entire life & travelled for spreading animal welfare, vegetarianism, & their related Indian philosophy across the globe. He was actively attached with so many Indian, continental & global institutions & government committees as governor, advisor, or trustee like "Vishva hindu parishad", "Indian vegetarian congress" etc.-etc. until last moment.
Bhavesh N. Pattni - Astrologer, Multilingual Poet & Composer, Multilingual writer, Anchor, Audio Video Editor (Prashnora Nagar)
Late Shrimukhrao Laxmilal Mehta (1895–1979) - One of the first Indian members of the prestigious Indian Civil Service which was constituted by the British to provide governance in India. Served in various capacities in the British government in pre-independence India in the state of Assam (incorporated all parts of India east of Bengal). Played a pivotal role in post- independence India in developing industry infrastructure and retired as the first Indian Chief Secretary of the state of Assam in independent India.
Vinu mankad, a wellknown cricket player. in 1952 the test against England was Called "Mankad vs England".
Shree jaysukhlal hathi, Former Governor of Punjab and creative in Politics
Dhvani Desai
Dhvani Desai
Dhvani Desai is an international and Indian award-winning animation filmmaker and a poetess. She is best known for her animation film Manpasand - the Perfect Match produced by the Children's Film Society of India...
, International award winning Animation Filmmaker
Sandip Yajnik, a prominent C.A. and stock market analyst. honorary and visiting stock market analyst on AIR.
NIRMAL PANDYA - MEDIA PERSON (Prashnora Nagar
Shri. Virendra Yagnik, Cultural scholar, Author and a Philanthropist.
Shri. Ajay Yagnik, Wellknown for his unique Sunderkand (Ramayan) recitals.
CA. Aseem Trivedi, Indore, famous author and a popular academician,appointed as trainer for C&AG India
Shri. Harikrushna Pathak, Famous Gujarati Poet
Amritlal Nagar (Hindi: अमृतलाल नागर) born 17 August 1916 in Agra Uttar Pradesh, has been one of the prominent Hindi writers of modern times.[1