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{{short description|Hindu agrarian community}}
{{short description|Hindu agrarian community}}
{{pp-extended|small=yes}}
{{multiple issues|{{page numbers needed|date=May 2018}}
{{multiple issues|{{page numbers needed|date=May 2018}}
{{more citations needed|date=May 2018}}}}
{{more citations needed|date=May 2018}}}}
{{Infobox caste
{{Infobox caste
|caste_name= Bhanushali
|caste_name       = Bhanushali (bhanshali)(bhansari)(bansari)
|populated_states= [[Gujarat]], [[Maharashtra]]
|populated_states = [[Gujarat]], [[Maharashtra]]
|languages= [[Kutchi language|Kutchhi]], [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]], [[Hindi]], [[Sindhi language|Sindhi]]
|languages       = [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]], [[Kutchi language|Kutchhi]], [[Marathi language|Marathi]], [[Hindi]], [[Sindhi language|Sindhi]]
|subdivisions= [[Mav]] , [[Bhadra]], [[Joisar]], [[Gajra]], [[Gori]]
|subdivisions     = [[AMAL]] [[AMIL ]][[Khaniya]], [[Gori, India|Gori]], [[Gajra]], [[Bhadra]], [[Joisar]], [[Gajra]], [[Mange Bhanushali|Mange]], [[Shethia]], [[Katarmal]], [[Kataria]], [[Chunda]], [[Hurbada]], [[Vador]], [[Samasuya]], [[Dabbha]], [[Fuliya]],[[Nakhua]],[[Mav]], [[Mengar]], [[Harvara]]{{citation needed|date=August 2024}}
|guru=Sant Odhavramji Maharaj|official_website=www.bhanusamaj.org}}
}}


'''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>
'''Bhanushali''' is a Suryavanshi Kshatriya [[Hindu]] community. 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> Some have also moved to Thane and Mumbai region of [[Maharashtra]]. They speak [[Kutchi language]].{{Cn|date=December 2025}}


==History==
== Origins ==
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/>
Bhanushali is a descendant of Lord Rama's son Lav. The name "Bhanushali", translates to "Radiant sun" or "Bearers of the Sun ". Bhanushali is derived from the mythological king Bhanusal. The community was also known as Vegusor/Vagar after the place of Vegukot or Vegugad in [[Rann of Kutch]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Lal |first=R. B. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4Cy_-FXW9BQC |title=Gujarat |date=2003 |publisher=Popular Prakashan |isbn=978-81-7991-104-4 |pages=185 |language=en}}</ref>


Colonial sources noted that the Bhanushalis were subordinate to [[Lohana (caste)|Lohana]] and [[Bhatia caste|Bhatias]].<ref name=":0" />
Bhanushalis are mainly divided into three sections: Bhanushalis, Halari Bhanushali and Sindhi Bhanushalis. The caste is vegetarian. Bhanushalis have 96 [[Exogamy|exogamous]] sub-divisions, including Mange, Vadore, Gajra, Gori, Bhadra, Nanda and Harbala.<ref name=":0" />
 
== History ==
Historically, the Bhanushalis had a strong presence in coastal trade and were known for their navigation skills. They were involved in transporting goods, spices, and other merchandise through sea routes, which contributed to the cultural exchange and economic prosperity of the regions they operated in.<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> Jyotindra Jain theorized that the Bhanushalis migrated to Gujarat from Balochistan, based on their worship of [[Hinglaj Mata]]. He also believed that the [[Lohana]]s and Bhanushalis shared their early home in [[Sindh]] before their migration to Gujarat.


== Communities ==
== Communities ==
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 are at present divided into two subgroups, according to where they live. The Kutchhi Bhanushali community have ancestry in the [[Kutch district|Kutch]] region, and the Halari Bhanushali community have ancestry in the Halari ([[Jamnagar]]) region.<ref>Bhanushalis Samaj (2018). "[http://www.bhanushalisamaj.in/ About Bhanushalis Community] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809094331/http://www.bhanushalisamaj.in/ |date=2019-08-09 }}".</ref>
 
Surname
 
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>


== Occupation ==
== Occupation ==
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 are mainly involved in agriculture and farming and others who migrated are mainly involved in big businesses.<ref name=jain/>


== Religion ==
== Religion ==
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" />
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]], their ancestral home.<ref name="jain" /> They worship Karan from Mahabharta as Karan Dada.
 
== Main places ==
Purandham, Bhanushali Dwaro Mandvi.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Purandham – Bhanu Samaj – Jan Seva Te Prabhu Seva|url=https://www.bhanusamaj.org/purandham/|access-date=2021-05-01|language=en-US}}</ref>
 
Kutchi Lal rameshwar Ashram.Haridwar
 
Kranti Teerth, Shyamji Krishna Verma Memorial, Mandvi.
 
Rata Talav Mandir (Shri Kutchi Bhanushali Sant Shri Odhavram Maharaj Sarvajanik Seva Mandal).<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-01-19|title=Rata Talav Mandir (Shri Kutchi Bhanushali Sant Shri Odhavram Maharaj Sarvajanik Seva Mandal),Rato talav, Kachchh, gujarat, India|url=https://indiasthan.com/place/gujarat/137219/rata-talav-mandir-shri-kutchi-bhanushali-sant-shri-odhavram-maharaj-sarvajanik-seva-mandalrato-talav|access-date=2021-05-01|website=indiasthan.com|language=en-US}}</ref>
 
Sant Odhavramji Jakhau Dham , Jakhau.  


==Lohanas==
==Lohanas==
Bhanushalis shared their early home in [[Sind]] with Lohanas and seem to share history.<ref name="jain" /> Like [[Lohana]]s, Bhanushalis are involved in trading and gained visibility in business. Like Lohanas they worship [[Rana Jashraj|Dada Jashraj]] as their [[kuladevata]] and [[Harkor]], as [[Kuldevi]]. Many Bhanushalis surnames are also found among [[Lohana]] community.{{citation needed|date=June 2018}}
Bhanushalis shared their early home in [[Sindh]] with Lohanas and seem to share history.<ref name="jain" /> Like [[Lohana]]s, Bhanushalis are involved in trading and gained visibility in business. Like Lohanas they worship [[Rana Jashraj|Dada Jashraj]] as their [[kuladevata]] and [[Harkor]], as [[Kuldevi]]. Many Bhanushalis surnames are also found among [[Lohana]] community.{{citation needed|date=June 2018}}


== Notable people ==
== Notable people ==
* [[Shyamji Krishna Varma|Shyamji Krishna Verma]], Indian revolutionary fighter of Bhanushali community from Mandvi Kutch
* [[Dhvani Bhanushali]], Indian singer<ref>{{cite web|url=https://youtube.com/c/DhvaniBhanushali|title=Dhvani Bhanushali Official YouTube Channel|via=[[YouTube]] }}</ref>
*[[Odhavram]], Torch bearer for educating Bhanushali Clan
*[[Dhvani Bhanushali]], Indian Singer
* [[Jay Bhanushali]], Indian television actor
* [[Jay Bhanushali]], Indian television actor
* [[Kishore Bhanushali]], Indian actor and stand-up comedian
* [[Kishore Bhanushali]], Indian actor and stand-up comedian
* [[Kuntal Joisher]], Indian mountaineer based in Mumbai
* [[Odhavram]], torch bearer for educating Bhanushali Clan
* [[Shyamji Krishna Varma]], Indian revolutionary fighter of Bhanushali community from Mandvi Kutch


==References==
==References==
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[[Category:Indian castes]]
[[Category:Indian castes]]
[[Category:Hindu communities]]
[[Category:Social groups of Gujarat]]
[[Category:Social groups of Gujarat]]
[[Category:Vaishya community]]
[[Category:Vaishya community]]

Latest revision as of 09:01, 26 February 2026

Bhanushali (bhanshali)(bhansari)(bansari)
LanguagesGujarati, Kutchhi, Marathi, Hindi, Sindhi
Populated statesGujarat, Maharashtra
SubdivisionsAMAL AMIL Khaniya, Gori, Gajra, Bhadra, Joisar, Gajra, Mange, Shethia, Katarmal, Kataria, Chunda, Hurbada, Vador, Samasuya, Dabbha, Fuliya,Nakhua,Mav, Mengar, Harvara[citation needed]

Bhanushali is a Suryavanshi Kshatriya Hindu community. The majority reside in Kutch district of the Indian state of Gujarat. Some are also found in the Saurashtra region and other parts of Gujarat.[1] Some have also moved to Thane and Mumbai region of Maharashtra. They speak Kutchi language.[citation needed]

Origins[edit | edit source]

Bhanushali is a descendant of Lord Rama's son Lav. The name "Bhanushali", translates to "Radiant sun" or "Bearers of the Sun ". Bhanushali is derived from the mythological king Bhanusal. The community was also known as Vegusor/Vagar after the place of Vegukot or Vegugad in Rann of Kutch.[2]

Bhanushalis are mainly divided into three sections: Bhanushalis, Halari Bhanushali and Sindhi Bhanushalis. The caste is vegetarian. Bhanushalis have 96 exogamous sub-divisions, including Mange, Vadore, Gajra, Gori, Bhadra, Nanda and Harbala.[2]

History[edit | edit source]

Historically, the Bhanushalis had a strong presence in coastal trade and were known for their navigation skills. They were involved in transporting goods, spices, and other merchandise through sea routes, which contributed to the cultural exchange and economic prosperity of the regions they operated in.[3] Jyotindra Jain theorized that the Bhanushalis migrated to Gujarat from Balochistan, based on their worship of Hinglaj Mata. He also believed that the Lohanas and Bhanushalis shared their early home in Sindh before their migration to Gujarat.

Communities[edit | edit source]

Bhanushalis are at present divided into two subgroups, according to where they live. The Kutchhi Bhanushali community have ancestry in the Kutch region, and the Halari Bhanushali community have ancestry in the Halari (Jamnagar) region.[4]

Occupation[edit | edit source]

Bhanushalis are mainly involved in agriculture and farming and others who migrated are mainly involved in big businesses.[3]

Religion[edit | edit source]

Bhanushalis worship different kuldevis as per their clan names / surnames.[5] They follow Hindu customs and beliefs.[6] They also worship Veer Dada Jashraj and claim, like Lohanas, that he belonged to their community. Bhanushalis chiefly worship Hinglaj, whose main temple, Hinglaj Mata mandir is in Baluchistan, their ancestral home.[3] They worship Karan from Mahabharta as Karan Dada.

Lohanas[edit | edit source]

Bhanushalis shared their early home in Sindh with Lohanas and seem to share history.[3] Like Lohanas, Bhanushalis are involved in trading and gained visibility in business. Like Lohanas they worship Dada Jashraj as their kuladevata and Harkor, as Kuldevi. Many Bhanushalis surnames are also found among Lohana community.[citation needed]

Notable people[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Gillow, John (2008). Indian Textiles. Thames & Hudson. p. 221.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Lal, R. B. (2003). Gujarat. Popular Prakashan. p. 185. ISBN 978-81-7991-104-4.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Jain, Jyotindra (1980). Folk art and culture of Gujarat: guide to the collection of the Shreyas Folk Museum of Gujarat. University of Michigan. OCLC 499443714.
  4. ↑ Bhanushalis Samaj (2018). "About Bhanushalis Community Archived 2019-08-09 at the Wayback Machine".
  5. ↑ Berger, Peter (2010). The anthropology of values: essays in honour of Georg Pfeffer. Longman. p. 366. ISBN 9788131728208. OCLC 695854817.
  6. ↑ Urmi Chanda-Vaz (January 20, 2018). "Indian millennials are embracing religious and spiritual tattoos, as indigenous cultures reject them".
  7. ↑ "Dhvani Bhanushali Official YouTube Channel" – via YouTube.
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