Rise and Glory History of Halari Visa Oshwals

Author(s): Rati Dodhia
Publisher: Rati Dodhia

Page 14

CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
The history is traditionally written about prominent individuals, royalty, ministers, and men of intellectual forces or power. This is a history about an Oshwal Community, a prominent Jain Institution.
The historicity of Jain Oshwals is difficult to prove from Jain sources alone because tradition of writing came very late. Nevertheless, the history of Oshwals is full of grace and bravery. This institution was founded about 2600 years ago. The history of Oshwals was first written by a foreign historian, the British political agent Colonel James Todd, in a book Antiquities of Rajasthan, published in V.S. 1821. The Oshwals originally come from Kshtriya (warrior) caste, but because they became a business community, they are now considered as part of merchant (Vaishya) caste.
This community has played a very impressive role in India's political, financial, religious and social life. Famous historical people have born in this community. What a cause of pride is to know that there is not a single other community in the history of India that has owned and controlled the financial institutions not just for hundreds but also for thousands of years! When country suffered from terrible famines the people like Jaga Shah, in V.S. 222, and Jagdu Shah in V.S. 1312, both Oshwal billionaires distributed food, clothing and other necessities free and earned the title of 'Saviors of the World'. In the eighteenth century during the great famine, none other then an Oshwal, Jagat Seth, came to the rescue. Bhama Shah gave all his wealth to Maha Rana Pratap who was fighting against Mogul Empire and was instrumental in converting defeat to victory. For centuries Oshwals played major roles and commanded high positions as Prime Ministers,