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Part I. Origin
Oshwal merchants have been well known for their wealth since ancient times and many have utilized their wealth well. They have donated money to the construction and maintenance of large number of social and charitable institutions, religious guesthouses, animal shelters, dispensaries, maternity homes, hospitals, schools, colleges, libraries, and the like.
The Oshwals are a tightly knit community and their religious and social lives are guided by Jain ethics. Jain acharyas (monastic leaders) are the role models for Oshwals. Whenever there was rise or decline in Jain religion it directly affected the Oshwal community. The religion and the community went hand in hand and were dependent on one another.
The Svetamber sect is one of the two main divisions of the Jain religion and most of the Svetamber acharyas come from the Oshwals. They are the founders of numerous sub sects supported by Oshwals. The influence of Jain principles is clear in day-to-day life of the Oshwal community so it will be right to consider in detail about the history of Jain religion to help us establish the roots of Oshwal community.
