Samipya 1992 Vol 09 Ank 01 02

Author(s): Pravinchandra C Parikh, Bhartiben Shelat
Publisher: Bholabhai Jeshingbhai Adhyayan Sanshodhan Vidyabhavan

Page 59

Originally the word “Vaghari" seems to have been derived from the Sanskrit word 'Vyāghra' (a tiger). In Prakrit, its corrupt form was pronounced as "Vyādh'. Thus the community engaged in hunting wild animals like tigers and birds was known as "Vyāghra' or 'Vyādh' followed by the suffix 'ri' denoting the caste, i.e. 'Vyaghra + r1' or "Vyadh + r1' = 'Vyāghari' or 'Vyadhari'. Habitat :
The Vagharis are found scattered in both rural and urban areas of Gujarat. Their largest concentration in urban area is the city of Ahmedabad, mainly in Shahpur, Chamanpura, Chamunda, Asarva and Naroda areas. They have migrated from rural areas of both Saurashtra and Patan of Mehsana district. They are broadly divided into two major ethnic groups (1) Patani and (2) Datania or Gamecha Vagharis. Both these divisions are further sub-divided into several other groups with identical names. All these groups and sub-groups are endogamous. Their marriages are confined to their own sub-groups. Regional and local variations are observed in their customs and traditions. But the source of their beliefs, faith, worship of Goddess, superstitions, exorcism and behaviour pattern seems to be one and the same. Of course, whatever differences and variations observed are of regional and local character. Sub-Castes
Amongst the Vagharis of Saurashtra, particularly Dataniya Vagharis, it is said that there are 282 villages having population of Vagharis and that is why they have formed a new group known as "282 wala'. There are 34 ethnic groups among the Vagharis. All these groups are endogamous. The details are given in the separate statement (on pp. 5 to 10). Surnames
Normally the surnames are derived from the name of the place, village, ancestors, occupation, etc. or special achievements of their ancestors, namely, Dhaliyawala, * means their ancestors were expert in preparing 'Dhals' (a shield). Similarly, the other surnames are like Gangariwal, Gandawala, Sheglawala, Shilajitya, Shikari, Sat yavan, Chovisia, Khakhrodia, Halvadia, Buria, Saputia, Viragamicha, Gondliya, Zapadia, Gamda, Bhojediya, Odhaniya, Shikari etc. Occupation
In the past they were hunters and food gatherers. In the course of time they were taken to the settled tribal life for protecting the village and also adopted the occupation of collecting the forest produce like gums. herbs used for medicines, honey, catching the birds, hunting wild animals etc. It is learnt that they were experts in catching and domesticating Patla Gho' the salamander which was used for climbing up the wall of the fort during war time, during middle age.
They also used to sell birds like parrots, peacocks, sparrows, pigeons and such other birds to the rich house-holders. Here it is reminded that in olden days till
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(Samipya : April, '92-September, 1992