Punjabi Vaishya
| Punjabi Vysyas | |
|---|---|
| Classification | Vaishya |
| Religions | Hinduism, Sikhism and Jainism |
| Languages | Punjabi and Hindi |
| Populated States | Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh |
Punjabi Vysyas or Punjabi Baniyas are one of the communities in Punjab, India. Most of the Vaishya community in Punjab follows Hinduism, Sikhism and Jainism.
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[edit] Punjabi Vysyas
Punjabi Vaishya castes like Aroras and Soods were the premier mercantile communities of the province.
Prior to the Partition, Vaishya were spread all over the Punjab, from the northwestern districts bordering the North West Frontier Province to Delhi in the southeast; and from Multan in the southwest, bordering Sindh to Jammu in the northeast. However, the majority were in the east (present-day Haryana, Delhi and Punjab).These areas were encompassed by the Jullunder and Delhi divisions.
In the villages of the province, Vaishya sometimes used to be the only shopkeepers. In addition to being shopkeepers, they also acted as small-time traders, middle-level tradesmen, money-lenders and rich industrialists. The title, 'Lala' or 'Seth' was common to Vaishyas as well as the other four communities
There are some Vaishyas from Rajasthan like Agarwals, who also settled in Punjab, but they are culturally different from the Punjabi Vaishyas such as Aroras and Soods.
The Vaishyas in West Punjab (mostly Aroras) were migrated to East Punjab after independence in 1947. However, with most of their population in East Punjab, Punjabi Vaishyas were not hit as badly as their Khatri, Jat and Chamar counterparts, the bulk of whose population was in West Punjab, and hence were forced to migrate thereby losing their homes, businesses, properties and bank accounts.
[edit] Punjabi Vysyas prior to the Partition
[edit] Religion
Punjabi Vaishyas are mostly Hindus. The majority are devout Sanatan Dharmis, but some are also members the Arya Samaj, Dev Samaj, Radhaswami, Namdhari and Nirankari sects of Sikhism.
Like their counterparts in other parts of India, many Punjabi Vaishyas are followers of Jainism.Marriages between Vaishanva Vaishyas and Jain Vaishyas is very common.
In addition to this, Vaishyas in the Punjab are also influenced by Sikhism. Hence, it is not uncommon to find them paying visits to Gurdwaras.
[edit] Punjabi Vaishyas today
Punjabi Vaishyas have contributed extensively to Indian industry & economy. They are among the most well-off groups in Indian society.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- "Agrasen Agroha Agrawal", by Dr.Swarajya Mani Agrawal
- "Agrawal Jati Ka praachin Itihaas" by Satyaketu Vidyalankar
- Religion and castes in Punjab
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