Useful and informative comments reproduced

People are interacting through this blog and I am glad viewing these comments.  Some comments carry useful information and I am posting these comments here so that readers can know more about Shaharwali society. I will be obliged if you provide some information about Shaharwali society of Azimganj, Jiaganj and Murshidabad.
Your contribution will help growing this blog. Thanks.

View some useful comments:

1.  Hi, I must congratulate you personally for this initiative. Nice to visit this site and feel the pulse of Jiagung. I am Prabir Dugar, son of Late Shri Benoy Chandji Dugar from the family of Hira Chandji Dugar, renowned Artist. My Babaji was Late Shri Indra Dugar. I am married to Suchita, d/o Shri Sajan Singhji Nahar. My sister in law Rita Parson married to Dr Narendra Parson is residing at LA. We live in Mumbai and my youngest Sister in law is also at Thane, Mumbai.

we have three daughters Tulika (married to Siddharth Bothra, Director Finance with T Mobile, of Gauhati with a son Rahul age 8 and daughter Rymah age 8 months)settled at Seatlle. Aloka/Sarika (married to Nilesh Parson working as a Principal with Microsoft and with a son Aatish age 8). The youngest Preetika is married to Comander Rohit Dalaya (Pilot with Air India). I am excited to be in touch with our Shaharwalis and keep the rich culture and finesse alive.


Prabir Dugar

2.  Hi Jyoti Bhai,

great to see this site blog here.You have been spear heading the documentation of this Jain clan from West Bengal very nicely.

I wish to add here the details of whatever I know.
Bhandia family in Kolkata is a well known Johri Saath group who have been renowned for their Jewellery and Gem Stone business.

My Grandfather Late Sri Puran Chandji Bhandia ( Johri ) Married as his second wife Smt. Suhag Sundari from the Kothari Family of Guahati who belonged to the Jiyaganj Azimganj Clan of Jains. I am the last grandson of her last son Late Shri.Kiron Singhji Bhandia residing in Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu associated in Jewellery and Textile Business. My Elder Brother Naresh Bhandia lives in Bangalore associated in manufacturing of PP Woven Sacs required in the cement industry. I will be glad to know more and even contribute to the efforts you are taking. Please feel free to get in touch. I have a Family histry Tree for our family contributing data of 13 generations. I will be happy to put in inputs in it if you have any.
thanks and regards

Dinesh Kumar Bhandia

3.  Wow! This is awesome. I am settled in the USA, Tulika Dugar daughter of Pravir Dugar/Suchita Dugar and grand daughter of Late Shri Benoy Dugar and Suhag Dugar. This is a pleasure to connect with people from our heritage. Brings back some fresh memories even though long long time ago. My husband Siddharth and I are trying our best to keep our sheherwali culture alive by talking in the Azimganj-Jiaganj dialect. We love it and our children also love it.

This is awesome. My email is tulika.dugar@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing back from you and so happy we can do this.

Thank you once again!
 Tulika Dugar

With regards,
Jyoti Kothari (N.B. Jyoti Kothari is proprietor of Vardhaman Gems, Jaipur, representing Centuries Old Tradition of Excellence in Gems and Jewelry. He is a Non-resident Azimganjite.)

Resurgence - Murshidabad Heritage Festival 2011

Suraj Nowlakha posted this in facebook

7:01pm Jan 13

A report -- Murshidabad Heritage Festival 2011

The first heritage festival in Murshidabad, “Resurgence - Murshidabad Heritage Festival 2011” (MHF) was organized by the Tourism Department of Govt. of West Bengal in association with Murshidabad Heritage Development Society, and with the support of Crafts Council of West Bengal, West Bengal Kayaking & Canoeing Association, Union Ministry of Culture, Art of Living Foundation and others in Azimganj, Jiaganj and Lalbagh-Nashipur on 17 & 18 December, 2011. A gathering of 3000 invitees enjoyed the two-day festival. A detailed report follows.

Cuisine

The love of food, especially all things sweet and spicy, is an apt description of the Sheherwali (The Jains of Murshidabad are known as the Sheherwali community) cuisine. There was a wide spread of delicacies over the 2 days, right from Breakfast to Dinner. Each meal was clearly thought out to give people an experience of this refined vegetarian cuisine. The flavour and aroma of the food titillated the palate of all and has drawn a huge fan-following.

People showed a keen interest for the recipes of various dishes and were thrilled when the Sheherwali Cuisine Recipe book was released at the festival.

The lady members of the Sheherwali Community of Azimganj & Jiaganj took immense pride and initiative in setting up food stalls of popular dishes at the Katgola grounds. This first initiative, in a cooperative spirit was a lot of fun and the demand from the visitors has made them yearn for the next festival.

Boat Race on River Bhagirathi

The local boatmen decorated their boats colourfully and competed in an exciting race. The gusto for competing was provided by the rhythm of the dhakis in each boat. The improvised-kayak race added to the gaiety. The Marshalls were in Kayaks taken from Kolkata for the race. People took a break from their daily chores to cheer their favourite teams from the especially-decorated boats, the party boat from Kolkata, and from the river banks. The boatmen were delighted to receive prizes and certificates at the Prize Distribution Ceremony, This romance on the river has enthused people to aspire for a Boat Club and a training centre in Azimganj

Cultural Programme/Entertainment

The cultural programme on both days was set in the backdrop of the recently-restored magnificent Katgola Palace. On Day One, Priti Patel & troupe’s spectacular Manipuri dance performance with Vedic chants, called “Agni” left the gathering spell-bound. The show blended Vedic slokas, poise and grace with feisty martial arts.
On Day 2, the sufi quawali by Haidar Buksh and group of Lucknow was appreciated by all. The local folk dance on the second day was a delight. The fireworks display as the grand finale dazzled the large gathering.

Competition for the Youth

To make the youth conscious of heritage preservation, several competitions and activities were organized. Heritage-themed quiz, painting & photography competitions were conducted for students. This evoked a large participation from across the region.

Crafts Bazaar

Crafts Council of West Bengal organized a crafts bazaar comprising of Indian handicrafts. The bazaar offered a wide variety of products – right from Handloom Saris and Kashmiri shawls to woven mats and bangles.
The local folk performers entertained the large gathering with acrobatic stunts, dance, music and drama.

Puja and Jain Temple Visits

A key attraction of the 2 day festival was visits to the 12 old and beautiful Jain temples in the twin-town. The puja at Lord Adinath’s temple in Katgola was specially uplifting. A large number of visitors regaled in the energy created.

Travel Bengal: Jain Temples in historic Murshidabad

Endorsements

The restoration work of several old monuments and properties has drawn good appreciation. The arrangements made by the travel agents for the many outstation participants received good approval.

While visitors from California, New York, Tokyo, Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Gujarat, Kolkata and nearby districts enjoyed the festival, several local Unions and Bodies have still to catch the uplifting spirit. This spirit alone can lead to the socio-economic development of Bengal.

Many members took up strategic responsibilities. The entire Governing Body boldly faced the challenges of such a grand function, put up in association with so many Government departments and other bodies. Government machinery worked overtime for a smooth festival. The Convenor, Sanjay Doogar supported by the Committee, co-ordinated a spectacular program.

Indian Heritage – Jai Ho!

Sidharth Dudhoria
President
Murshidabad Heritage Development Society

With regards,
Jyoti Kothari (N.B. Jyoti Kothari is proprietor of Vardhaman Gems, Jaipur, representing Centuries Old Tradition of Excellence in Gems and Jewelry. He is a Non-resident Azimganjite.)

Satrahbhedi Puja in Jaipur by Shaharwali singers

 Shaharwali singers will perform Satrahbhedi Puja at Shivjiram Bhawan in Jaipur on August 7, 2011, Sunday. Satrah Bhedi Puja is the oldest of all Pujas sang and performed in the present days.  It is worth noted that it is completing its 450 years of composition.

Uapdhyay Sadhukirti, an eminent Jain scholar and saint composed this puja in the year 1561. The exact day falls on August 4. However, Jaipur, Sri Jain Swetambar Khartar Gachchh Sangh has chosen nearest Sunday for convenience of the audience.

With regards,
Jyoti Kothari
(N.B. Jyoti Kothari is proprietor of Vardhaman Gems, Jaipur, representing Centuries Old Tradition of Excellence in Gems and Jewelry. He is a Non-resident Azimganjite.)

मुर्शिदाबाद की विरासत बचाने का प्रयास: मुर्शिदाबाद हेरिटेज डेवलपमेंट सोसायटी

 मुर्शिदाबाद हेरिटेज डेवलपमेंट सोसायटी की स्थापना मुर्शिदाबाद की विरासत बचाने  का एक प्रयास है. प्राचीन काल में मुर्शिदाबाद का क्षेत्र गौड़ के नाम से जाना जाता था. औरंगजेब के सिपहसालार मुर्शीदकुली खान ने इसे बसाया एवं ढाका के स्थान पर सन १७०४ में इसे बंगाल, बिहार, एवं उडिस्सा की राजधानी बनाया. जब मुर्शीद कुली खान यहं आये तो उनके साथ उनके परम मित्र जगत सेठ मानकचंद गेलडा को भी साथ लाये. जैनों के उत्कर्ष का काल यहाँ पर तभी से शुरू हुआ.
यह नवाबों के शहर के नाम से भी जाना जाता रहा.

मुर्शीदकुली खान के बाद नवाब  अलीवर्दी खान, नवाब सुजाउद्दीन आदि ने नवाब की गद्दी संभाली. सिराज़ुद्दौला मुर्शिदाबाद के अंतिम स्वतंत्र नवाब हुए. मुर्शिदाबाद मुग़ल एवं ब्रिटिश शक्तियों के वीच युद्ध स्थल बना. पलाशी के युद्ध में सिराज़ुद्दौला के सेनापति मीर जाफर की गद्दारी के कारन उन्हें ईस्ट इंडिया कंपनी के क्लाइव लोयेड के हाथों पराजित होना पड़ा.  यहीं से भारत में ब्रिटिश शासन की नींव पड़ी.      


 अंग्रेजों ने अपनी राजधानी मुर्शिदाबाद से बदल कर कलकत्ते को बना लिया लेकिन मुर्शिदाबाद की गरिमा फिर भी बनी रही. मुर्शिदाबाद अपनी कलाप्रियता के लिए जाना जाता रहा.


मुर्शिदाबाद के अजीमगंज एवं जिआगंज में रहने वाले जैन धर्मावालम्वी ओसवालों ने यहाँ की संस्कृति में रंग भरने में अपना विशिष्ट योगदान दिया. यहाँ के जैन धर्मावलाम्वी शहरवाली के नाम से प्रसिद्द हुए.यहाँ की कला, संस्कृति, स्थापत्य आदि की उन्नति में शहरवाली समाज का योगदान कल्पनातीत है.

शहरवाली समाज के लोग उच्च शिक्षित, राईस व धनवान होने के साथ ही धर्मात्मा भी थे. अनेकों जिन मंदिर एवं दादाबाड़ी उनकी धर्मं परायणता का उदहारण है. शहरवाली समाज द्वारा स्थापित अनेक विद्यालय, महाविद्यालय जहाँ उनकी शिक्षा एवं ज्ञान के प्रति रूचि दर्शाती है वहीँ उन लोगों के द्वारा स्थापित चिकित्सालय उनकी परोपकारिता को.

यहाँ के जैन मंदिर एवं कोठियां शहरवाली समाज के अतीत गौरव की याद दिलाती है. यह एक धर्मं प्राण समाज है एवं अनेक दीक्षाएं इस बात कीगवाह है. अजीमगंज व जियागंज से अनेक साधू - साध्वियां भी हुई हैं.
शहरवाली पोषाक  की अपनी अलग विशेषता है.  अजीमगंज शहरवाली साथ का खानाभी अपनी विशिष्टताओं से भरपूर है. इनकी विविधता भी निराली है. शहरवाली समाज के रीती रिवाजों में भी यहं की माती की सुगंध है.
क्रमशः.........

Launching Murshidabad Heritage Development Society

Images Murshidabad Heritage Development Society

With regards,
Jyoti Kothari
(N.B. Jyoti Kothari is proprietor of Vardhaman Gems, Jaipur, representing Centuries Old Tradition of Excellence in Gems and Jewelry. He is a Non-resident Azimganjite.)

Navpad Mandal Pujan in Azimganj tomorrow on the eve of Navpad Oli

 Navpad Mandal Pujan will be organized at Sri Neminath Swami temple tomorrow. Navpad Mandal Pujan is organized every year on the last day of Navpad Oli in Azimganj since many many years.

This is a gorgeous program organized with full enthusiasm. Shaharwali people of Azimganj worship Navpad conducting Navpad Oli with full devotion and enthusiasm since centuries. Navpad Mandal Pujan is so famous in Azimganj that people living outside Azimganj also come and join this puja. 

Sri Sangh of Azimganj will organize this Puja tomorrow, October 22, 2010.

Sri Pradyot Sethia, a Shaharwali living in Jaipur reported this telephonically. He is now at Azimganj and worshiping Navpad Oli along with some others from Azimganj.

Meanwhile, Sri and Srimati  Ratichand Bothra of Azimganj are worshiping Navpad Oli in Malpura Dadabadi. He sponsored Navpad Puja here today.

Navpad Oli (Ayambil Oli): Jain community worship Arihant on the first day

Navpad Oli (Ayambil Oli): Jain community worship Siddha Pad on the second day

Navpad Oli (Ayambil Oli): Jain community worship "Acharya" on the third day

Navpad Oli (Ayambil Oli): Jain community worship "Upadhyaya" Pad on the fourth day

Navpad Oli (Ayambil Oli): Jain community worship "Sadhu" Pad on fifth day

Navpad Oli (Ayambil Oli): Jain community worship "Samyag Darshan" Pad on sixth day

Navpad Oli (Ayambil Oli): Jain community worship "Samyag Gyan" Pad on seventh day

Navpad Oli (Aymbil Oli): Eighth day is to worship Samyag Charitra Pad

Navpad Oli (Aymbil Oli): Ninth day is to worship Samyag Tap Pad

With regards,
Jyoti Kothari
(N.B. Jyoti Kothari is proprietor of Vardhaman Gems, Jaipur, representing Centuries Old Tradition of Excellence in Gems and Jewelry. He is a Non-resident Azimganjite.)

Jyoti Kothari is elected Secretary Jaipur Khartargachchh Sangh

 I, Jyoti Kothari, have been elected as Secretary, Sri Jain Shwetambar Khartar Gachchh Sangh, Jaipur. Several Jain Temples, Dadabadi (Including Malpura), student's hostel and Dharmshala are managed by the Jaipur Sangh.

Election of Jaipur Sangh was held on July 4. 2010 and I have been elected as a member of executive committee. The said executive committee has elected me as Secretary of the Sangh.

Azimganj and Jiaganj are recognized as prominent places of Jain community as well as Khartar Gachchh. Jaipur also holds up in the map of Khartar Gachchh Sangh.

I have born and brought up as Shaharwali and now acting as secretary of Jaipur Khartar Gachchh Sangh. I believe that this combination will help both the Sangh.

कार्यकारिणी समिति: श्री जैन श्वेताम्बर खरतरगच्छ संघ, जयपुर

With regards, Jyoti Kothari (N.B. Jyoti Kothari is proprietor of Vardhaman Gems, Jaipur, representing Centuries Old Tradition of Excellence in Gems and Jewelry. He is a Non-resident Azimganjite.)

Azimganj Jiaganj: The then no fishing zone

Azimganj and Jiaganj were main Jain districts during 19th century and first half of twentieth century. Jain community of Azimganj and Jiaganj (Baluchar) was not only powerful but also very religious minded. Large numbers of huge Jain temples speak the story itself.

It is not required to mention that this religious community was totally vegetarian while following Jainism. More over, fishing was banned in the River Bhagirathi (Ganga) in the area of Jain district.

There was a famous story about fishing in this zone. There was a non-Jain Rai Bahadur in Jiaganj. He took as a challenge to catch a fish in this zone. He arranged to catch fish and caught some. Maharaj Bahadur Singh Dugar took it seriously and lodged a case against him. He fought the case  in several courts and finally won. He obtained an order from Privy Council (London) against fishing in this zone. Privy council was the apex court in British India.

It is told that he spent Rs. 6.25 lakh to win this case! Just imagine the value of money at that time! He did not care for money and spent it for his non violent religion, Jainism and vegetarianism.

Vegetarianism: The healthy way of life

With regards,
Jyoti Kothari


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

Happy New Year 2010

Happy new Year !!!

This the time to celebrate New Year ! However, Indian New year is diff rent from English New year. India has both solar and lunar calendar and celebrates New year days accordingly.On behalf of Shaharwali society. I wish every body a very happy new year 2010.

An interesting article about Indian solar and lunar calendars and New year days.

View:
Chinese New year and India

Vardhaman Gems
What are gem stones
Map
Indian New Year

Thanks,
Jyoti Kothari

Jyoti Kothari, Proprietor, Vardhaman Gems, Jaipur represents Centuries Old Tradition of Excellence in Gems and Jewelry. He is also a ISO 9000 professional.

Happy New Year 2010

Happy new Year !!!

This the time to celebrate New Year ! However, Indian New year is diff rent from English New year. India has both solar and lunar calendar and celebrates New year days accordingly.On behalf of Shaharwali society. I wish every body a very happy new year 2010.

An interesting article about Indian solar and lunar calendars and New year days.

View:
Chinese New year and India

Vardhaman Gems
What are gem stones
Map
Indian New Year

Thanks,
Jyoti Kothari

Jyoti Kothari, Proprietor, Vardhaman Gems, Jaipur represents Centuries Old Tradition of Excellence in Gems and Jewelry. He is also a ISO 9000 professional.

Marriage of Arihant Nowlakha in Hyderabad

 Congratulations!!

Arihant Nowlakha, son of late  Alok Nowlakha will be married with a Hyderabad girl on December 12, 2009. Marriage ceremony will take place in Secunderabad, Hyderabad. Arihant is grand son of Sri Kewal Chand Nowlakha, Azimganj.

Alok Nowlakha, father of Arihant had shifted to Patna from Azimganj and died in a bomb blast while going to Rajgriha.

Arihant Nowlakha had been in Vardhaman Gems, Jaipur as apprentice and then shifted to Hyderabad for business.

Congratulations!!! Marriages in Azimganj

Shaharwali families in Hyderabad

With regards,
Jyoti Kothari


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

Hindi Posts: Azimganj Jiaganj Murshidabad in Hindi Font and Language

अजीमगंज दादाबाडी में खात मुहूर्त व शिलान्यास भाग १ 
अजीमगंज दादाबाडी में खात मुहूर्त व शिलान्यास भाग २
अजीमगंज दादाबाडी में भैरव जी का उत्थापन
पहेलियाँ
शहरवाली पोषाक
अजीमगंज शहरवाली साथ का खाना
कुछ निराले शहरवाली नाम
साध्वी श्री श्रद्धान्विता श्री जी महाराज के वर्षी तप का पारना आखा तीज २७। ०४। २००९ को पालीताना में होगा।
रीति रिवाज़: सिलामी व व्याह १    
 सिलामी व व्याह भाग 2
रीति रिवाज़: खीर चटाई व मुंडन   
कुछ रीति रिवाज़: जापा और जनम  
 अरिहंत कोठारी के १६ उपवास की तपस्या
 प्रथम पुण्य तिथि: श्रीमती कुसुम कुमारी कोठारी
 सत्रह भेदी पूजा 
अ जीमगंज में पूजा
 साध्वी श्री शशिप्रभा श्री जी का अजीमगंज में चातुर्मास प्रवेश

Posts in Hindi font and Language in Paryushan Blog

Thanks,
Jyoti Kothari
(Jyoti Kothari, Proprietor, Vardhaman Gems, Jaipur represents Centuries Old Tradition of Excellence in Gems and Jewelry. He is also ISO 9000 professional)
*
*

Pujya Sadhu and Sadhwi Maharaj from Azimganj-Jiaganj

I have collected some information about Sadhu and Sadhwi Maharaj from Azimganj-Jiaganj. These are neither complete nor accurate. I urge everybody from Shaharwali society to correct and complete this info by providing any info including photograph and video.

Mr. Pradyot Sethia S/ O Shri Keshrichand Sethia has provided some useful information and I am thankful to him for the same.

1. Sadhu Ramanik Sagar Ji Maharaj from Bishan Chand Bachchhawat Family of Azimganj. He is not alive.His guru is unknown to me.

2. Acharya Padma Sagar Suri Ji Maharaj, (Azimganj) disciple of Acharya Kalyan Sagar Ji (Acharya Buddhi Sagar Suri Singhara, Tapagachchha)

3. Shree Teju babu Dugar’ s son (Name unknown to me) Sadhu Sudarshan Kirti Sagar Ji Maharaj, desciple of Acharya Charukirti Sagar Ji (Acharya Buddhi Sagar Suri Singhara, Tapagachchha)

4. Sadhwi Charuyasha Shree Ji Maharaj (Kumari Mala Dugar) sister of Mr. Arun and Mr. Barun Dugar of Jiaganj. She is in Acharya Arihant Siddha Suri Singhara of Tapagachchha.

5. Sadhwi Shraddhanwita Shree Ji maharaj (Shraddha Lodha- d/o Shrimati Sheela and late Shri Ishwar Chand lodha of Kolkata), Disciple of Sadhwi Shri Shashiprabha Shri Ji Maharaj of Khartargachchha. Shrimati Sheela is daughter of late Shri Dhirendra Pat and Shrimati Kusum Kumari Kothari of Azimganj. She is disciple of Sadhwi Shashiprabha Sri Ji maharaj in Khartar Gachchh..

6. Sadhu Shri Het Vijay ji lived in Jiaganj for a long time till his death.

Gems and Jewelry in Shaharwali society

It is believed that Jagat Seth had best quality emeralds in their possession. There is a dialect about how did he acquire emeralds. It is told that merchant envoy of Jagat Seth was in a voyage and sold all his merchandise. While returning the captain felt that the ship is too light and could not face a storm. They put boulders of stones in the ship to make it heavy.

When back to the home they found those boulders emeralds. It is a known fact among the Jewelers that those are the best emeralds in the world but of Jahangir's cups.

View: Researching the Emerald city

Bahadur Singh Singhi of Singhi family was fond of diamonds. He had a great collection of flat diamonds i.e. Parva, Polki and English Polki. He was the main person behind the famous diamond-studded "Angi" of shree Dharmanath Swami, Tulapatti Jain temple, Kolkata. It is believed that all flat diamonds studded in that Angi are flawless.

The Dugar family also loved Gems and Jewelry a lot. There was a great collection of Kundan Meena Jadau Jewelry and solitaires with Maharaj Bahadur Singh Dugar and other members of that family. It is believed that the family was at a time in possession of a bangle pair of Begum of Alauddin Khiljee, Badshah of Delhi.

Raja Bijay Singh Dudhoria, Rai Budh Singh Dudhoria, Nirmal Kumar Singh Nowlakha, Sitab Chand Nahar families also have an excellent collection of Gemstones, Basra Pearls and diamond and Kundan Meena Jadau Jewelry in their collections.

Many other Shaharwali families also had nice collections of Precious Gemstones, diamond, and Kundan Meena Jadau Jewelry. Mursheedabad Meena is supposed to be the best Meena (Enamel) in the world.

Shaharwali society had very good relationship with Johari Sath, the Jewelers community in Kolkata and purchased awesome collections of Gemstones and Jewelry from them.

Presented by:
Jyoti Kothari
Vardhaman Gems
Centuries old Tradition of Excellence in Gems and Jewelry
*
*