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Foreword
The history of Halari Visa Oshwals begins from the period when Jam Rawal conquered several small kingdoms in Kathiawad and formed a vast kingdom with Jam Khambhalia, and later Jamnagar, as its capital. He provided land for settlement of Oshwals in 52 villages of Halar region. Once again, Oshwals in Halar region faced adverse environment as the land and the weather conditions were not conducive for agriculture. Therefore some people went to other parts of India mainly Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Madhya Pradesh and Hydrabad. At the end of nineteenth century a few young men ventured and migrated to Madagascar and East Africa. Halari Oshwals continued to migrate to East Africa until 1950's. When the three East African countries became independent in early 1960's, indigenous nationals of these countries were encouraged to take over small- and mid-sized businesses owned by Indians including Halari Oshwals. Most of the Halari Oshwals moved to the United Kingdom and a few re-settled in India. The number of Halari Oshwals in the United Kingdom has continued to grow as migration from East Africa has continued for several reasons such as better opportunities both in business and professional fields and better education facilities. In early 1960's, a small number of professional Halari Oshwals from India and East Africa started settling in the United States of America and Canada and the number of Halari Oshwals in these countries is growing. Halari Oshwals are also settling in Australia and other parts of the world for better opportunities.
The last century has been full of glory for the Halari Visa Oshwal community. The community has prospered because of its tradition of hard work, diligence and caring for others. We have been fortunate to have several leaders and philanthropists with the vision to improve the quality of life for Oshwals. They supported building of educational, social and medical institutions in India, Africa and the United Kingdom.
