The Kshathriya community of India has Oswal caste members ever since ages. The original Oswal historians were Jain Acharyas who were learned historians and opinionated individuals. Their origin can be traced from a small village called Jodhpur in Rajasthan. The term Oswal is derived from the Rajasthani city Ossia. The dwellers of Ossia were situated approximately 32 miles north-west of Jodhpur. They were mostly Jane Monastics who are now extinct.
Oswals are also pronounced as Oshwal and Osval depending on their geographical and linguistic connect. The Rajput tribe has little relation with Jain religion today. Majority of the Oswal caste members are now found residing in different parts of India with their diverse traditions and cultural values.
Which caste is Oswal?
It is very interesting to know that the kshathriyas during the earlier times were joined by people from different castes, communities and creeds. Oswals were originally Jains who joined the kshathriya community in the princely states. They assisted Hindus and Muslims in financial activities during the mughal period. Till date, Oswals are amazing businessmen and are known for their immense trading knowledge.
The Oswals are further divided into hierarchical groups according to their cultural structures. Some of the Oswals resided in Gujarat and the rest in Rajasthan. They spoke Hindi and Marwari.
The Oswal Samaj in brief
In the present time period, the Oswal caste members are a blend of kshathriya and a Baniya community. Known for their entrepreneurship and spirit, Oswal can be vividly found trading in textiles, grains and spices.
With more than 427000 cast members scattered all over the world, Oswals have a remarkable cultural identity and a strong presence. They are known for their vegetarian practices and nonviolence approach. Their participation in Hindu and Jain festivals are equally versatile. The community is divided into multiple sub groups due to political and economic factors.
During the early period, Oswal played a very significant role in improving Indian landscape and philanthropy. The healthcare initiatives by the caste members are also legendary in nature. They mostly speak Gujarati, Hindi, kutchi and Marwadi language as their mother tongue.
Oswal caste gotra and kuldevi details
The Kuldevi of the clan is Sachiyay Mata who established the set of rules and regulations for the community to practise marriages and follow traditions .
Rooted in Jain tradition, Oswals are basically a group of converted individuals. The teachings of Jain Upanishads still exist in the blood of the community. Hence, the caste members are mostly involved in practising nonviolence during livelihood and trading activities.
Oswal caste at present date
The Oswals became urban dwellers during the 20th century onwards. They mostly relocated to the areas of Delhi, Rajasthan and Bombay where they were found contributing in jute mills, opium production and banking activities.
Oswals till date follow strict vegetarianism and nonviolence. They prohibit consuming eggs, meat and rooted vegetables. Following the path of ahimsa and fasting for spiritual upliftment remains in the community. The aesthetic Jains have a very distinctive belief system which makes them very dedicated and distinctive from the rest of Indian communities.