Bhanushali: Difference between revisions

|caste_name= Bhanushali

|populated_states= [[Gujarat]], [[Maharashtra]]

|languages= [[Kutchi language|Kutchhi]], [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]], [[Hindi]], [[Sindhi language|Sindhi]]

|subdivisions= [[Mav]] , [[Bhadra]], [[Joisar]], [[Gajra]], [[Gori]]

'''Bhanushali''' ([[Gujarati language|Gujarati]] : / '''Bhānshali''' / '''Bhansali''')<ref name=jain>{{cite book|last1=Jain|first1=Jyotindra|title=Folk art and culture of Gujarat: guide to the collection of the Shreyas Folk Museum of Gujarat|date=1980|publisher=University of Michigan|language=English|oclc=499443714}}</ref> is a [[Hindu]] [[Agriculture|agrarian]] community of [[Vaishya]] [[Varna (Hinduism)|varna]]. The majority reside in [[Kutch district]] of the Indian state of [[Gujarat]]. Some are also found in the [[Saurashtra (region)|Saurashtra region]] and other parts of [[Gujarat]].<ref>{{Cite book|last=Gillow|first=John|title=Indian Textiles|publisher=Thames & Hudson|year=2008|pages=221}}</ref>

The Bhanushali are chiefly farmers and traders.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|last=Fischer-Tiné|first=Harald|url=https://www.google.com/books/edition/Shyamji_Krishnavarma/OKbbCgAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=Bhanushali+kshatriya&pg=PA3&printsec=frontcover|title=Shyamji Krishnavarma: Sanskrit, Sociology, Anti-Imperialism|year=2015|pages=3}}</ref> Although they claim to be of [[Kshatriya]] descent, but are recognized as [[Vaishya]].<ref name=jain/> Jyotindra Jain theorized that the Bhanushalis migrated to Gujarat from [[Sindh]], based on their worship of [[Hinglaj Mata]]. He also believed that the [[Lohana]]s and Bhanushalis shared a common home in Sindh before their migration to Gujarat.<ref name=jain/>

 

Bhanushalis are at present divided in to two subgroups, according to where they live. The Kutchhi Bhanushali Community (have ancestry in [[Kutch district|Kutch]] region) and Halai Bhanushali Community (have ancestry in Halar ([[Jamnagar]]) region).

 

 

Bhanushalis often use their community name also as their surname and as such you can find many people using Bhanushali surname. However, other surnames among this community are Shethia, Amal, Kataria, Hemani, Damani, etc. etc. It is said that Bhanushali's had 96 surnames. Few others are Katarmal ,Nanda, Gori, Bhadra, Hurabada, Joisher, Joisar, Mithiya, Gajra, Mange, Fuliya, Visariya, Nakhva, Chandra, Dhabha, Chunada, Mengar, Khichda, Vador, Maajania, Mav, Motani, Ratda, Dama, Gajra, Dama. Kanakhara, Nanda, joisar, And Bhadra are said to be most largely used surnames.<ref>Bhanushalis Samaj (2018). "[http://www.bhanushalisamaj.in/ About Bhanushalis Community]".</ref>

Bhanushalis are mainly involved in agriculture and farming. Now in 21st century Bhanushali community diversified in various fields of construction, manufacturers of various products based in Mandvi, Ahmedabad, Vapi, Valsad, Mumbai & various cities.<ref name=jain/>

Bhanushalis worship different [[kuldevi]]s as per their clan names / surnames.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Berger|first1=Peter|title=The anthropology of values: essays in honour of Georg Pfeffer|date=2010|publisher=Longman|isbn=9788131728208|page=366|oclc=695854817|language=English}}</ref> They follow Hindu customs and beliefs.<ref>Urmi Chanda-Vaz (January 20, 2018). "[https://scroll.in/magazine/863405/indian-millennials-are-embracing-religious-and-spiritual-tattoos-as-indigenous-cultures-reject-them Indian millennials are embracing religious and spiritual tattoos, as indigenous cultures reject them]".</ref> They also worship [[Veer Dada Jashraj]] and claim, like [[Lohana]]s, that he belonged to their community. Bhanushalis chiefly worship [[Hinglaj]], whose main temple [[Hinglaj Mata mandir]] is in [[Baluchistan]], Pakistan, their ancestral home.some people are convert to ismaili aga khani community.. <ref name="jain" />

 

 

 

 

 

*[[Odhavram]], Torch bearer for educating Bhanushali Clan

*[[Dhvani Bhanushali]], Indian Singer

* [[Jay Bhanushali]], Indian television actor

* [[Kishore Bhanushali]], Indian actor and stand-up comedian