Prajapati community
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The Prajapati community
Source
All details given in this section are from Prajapati4Prajapati.com
The The Prajapatis are …
The Prajapati Community: In India and abroad, there is a large number of Prajapati Community. The larger portion of the Community has been divided into different parts of the country.
The Prajapati Community population in India alone is approximately 7 million/ 70lakh
The population of Gujarati Prajapati is estimated approximately 35,00,000
The whole Community is divided mostly in under-mentioned groups:
Sub-groups
(1) Gurjar - live all over Gujarat
(2) Varia - live in Panchmahal, Kalol, Charotar, Ahmedvad, Sabarkantha, Jamnagar, and Bhavnagar, Botad
(3) Lad - live mainly in Surat, Navsari and Mumbai also overseas
(4) Mistry - live mainly in Surat, Navsari and Mumbai also overseas
(5) Vatalia - live mainly in Ahmedavad, Dholka,Dhandhuka, Bhavnagar and Mahuva
(6) Sorathiya – live mainly in Saurashtra, ahmedabad, Mumbai also overseas
(7) Ajmeri - live mainly in Bharuch and Vadodara and on the shores of River Narmada
(8) Maru - They originally came from Marvad and Jodhpur and settled in Gujarat
(9) Khambati - live near Petlad and Khambhat area
History/ descent
We are the family of Daksa Prajapati. It is mentioned in their Purans. Daksa Prajapati was the son of Lord Brahma. Daksa Prajapati was a great scholar of Yajur-Ved. One day, Brahma was pleased with him, and he gave Daksa Prajapati a prestigious rank, by given this rank, he became very proud of it, and he decided to make Maha Yagna. He invited Rishis, Muniyos, Devos (Demi-God), and Brahmins. All of those came to Maha-Yagna and set at the Mandap. Daksa Prajapati entered the Mandap, on his arrival, everybody stood up except Brahma and Shankar, and they remained seated. After observing this, Daksa Prajapati said," This Shankar is my son-in-law, but he doesn't know how to respect me, so I would not allow him to take part in Maha-Yagna". Hearing this, Shankar remained calm, but Nandi, could not bear it, and he told Daksa Prajapati, "Hey Daksa, you're very proud and conceited, and don't consider Shankar as your son-in-law, but as you have insulted Shankar, and did not give respect to him in this Mandap, in return, I give you a curse that your entire lineage, in-spite of being of a high and holy Brahmin, in Kali Yug, they'll be known as non-Brahmins".
Thus, we are being Daksa Prajapati's succession, yet by the curse by Nandi, their rank went down in Kali Yug. From this, it will be known that the Prajapati Community is the rank of Daksa Prajapati, and Brahmin heritage, high and prestigious community and we also know, now, the root of their Community. To support this, there are many stories in Shrimad Bhagwad, and Purans.
Ancient Arya Samaj was divided in four castes, such as
(1) Brahmin
(2) Ksatriyas
(3) Vaishyas
(4) Shudra
Fluidity of caste
The person of Shudra also could be a Brahman, such as Valmiki Rishi, was Shudra by birth, however, he was able to become Brahmin. Current castes and sub-castes are based on their particular skills. In ancient times, Prajapati was very high up on the rank, and during that time, the higher caste used to come to Prajapati's home to stay with him.
In Dwapar Yug, the Pandavas stayed at Prajapati's home. The Prajapati community was very consecrated, and of refined culture. After a long time, the name of Prajapati went through a significant downfall. But, its ancient, high, consecrated values can still be noticed in hidden adage.
To prove that belief, in Prajapati community today, there are so many sants in their community. In Satyug, the guru of Bhakta Pralad, was Shreebai Mataji, who was Prajapati Bhakta. Gora Kumbhar, was also saint from Maharashtra. In 15th century, Padamnath Prabhu, who was in Patan, in Gujrat, and also a Prajapati. In Kheda district of Gujrat, and Borsad, Sant Shree Gopaldas also was Prajapati, in Rajasthan, Bhakta Koobaji in Kankaviti, Bhakta Ranka Vanka, in Saurashatra, Dhhanga Bhagat, and Mepa Bhagat in Tikar, near Hadavad in Gujrat Kara Bhagat in Godhra, Sant Shree Purshotam Dasji, all were Prajapati. Also, in Saurastra, Chindal Bhagat, and Ramji Bhagat. In Vanthali Heera Bhagat in, Gadhaka, Jiva Bhagat, Rana Bordi, Bogha Bhagat (Mahant Shree Balak Dasji), at Navadra, Jina Bhagat, at Bagavadar, Jiva Bhagat (Sant Hans Dasji), All these were also Prajapati's. Besides, these in Junagadh district, at Satadhar, at the sight of Shree Aapa Giga, there was Shamji Bhagat, and at the sight of Sat Devivas, or Parab was Sat Sevadas. All these were Prajapatis.
From these, it can be seen that the high, consecrated values, and morals, by the mercy of their ancestors have remained for all the time in the Prajapati community. Due to the high morals of their ancestors, many Bhaktos have taken birth, these Bhaktos, by doing pottery work, artwork, or carpentry work, and either being poor or rich, were able to provide accommodation to the higher caste, had true knowledge of religion, and the understanding of their holy duty. This is the proof of holiness and ancient high values and morals of Prajapati community.
Just as Brahma, the maker of humanity, used the five elements: fire, water, wind, earth and air, so did the descendant's of the son of Brahma, Daksa Prajapati, also uses the five elements: fire, water, wind, earth, and air, to create different types of utensils and artwork. These items are mainly used for the basic use for the general public uses, by providing for eating, drinking, living and worshipping. These art items are handy and useful for the poor and the rich alike. These valuable artistes and their rank of art has persevered and preserved for generations.
So the present, castes and sub-castes are mainly based on the skill levels. The art of pottery is very ancient and in the old days the basic existence depended on these earthenware utensils and deities. These handy-works have been recovered by digging in some of the old cities and from that it is known that the art of pottery has continued yug to yug and is very ancient.
At present, the pottery work is considered low because there is a higher demand for iron, steel and copper materials. Things like stainless steel and other bright materials have taken place of earthen - ware.
Thus, Prajapati community has been divided a long time ago and dispersed in different parts of India. Today, there is evidence of these fragmentations. There are so many reasons for falling down the rank of the community and one of the main reasons for this fall down is the lack of education. Due to the lack of education mobility upward is restricted. There is also a reluctance to move away from the customs. For these reasons, in the past the Prajapati community has been considered a low community from educated community. The second reason is that these artisans had to depend on farmers for their living and therefore the Prajapati community was called, "Vasvaya", and considered as dependent on other communities. By good luck, Prajapati community slowly went towards education, and some people went to foreign countries, and they formed alliances with other communities. Slowly the barrier of sitting and eating was broken down.
In past, from Prajapati community some people came in touch with the Kshatriyas, and they started to work like them, so people who mixed with Shatriyas and attained a similar surname. For example Saurastra and Kutch, in Prajapati community there is a surname like Chavda, Vaghela, Solanki, Gohil, Parmar, and these surnames are recognized as such even at present. The following surnames in the Shree Sorathia Prajapati community are being used and obtained through heritage for centuries:
Bhalsod, Bharadwa, Bharadwaj, Buhecha, Chandegra, Chavda, Chhaya, Chitroda, Chohan, Dabhi, Devalia, Dhokia, Dodia, Fatania, Gadher, Gadhia, Ghadhvana, Ghedia, Girnara, Gohil, Gola, Jagatia, Jethwa, Jogia, Kamalia, Kansara, Kataria, Kholia, Koria, Kukadia, Ladva, Majevadia, Mandora, Mavadia, Maru, Nena, Oza, Pankhania, Parmar, Pithia, Poria, Rathod, Ravat, Sarvaiya, Savania, Shingadia, Solanki, Taank, Vadher, Vadukul, Vara, Vegad, Visavadia, and Yadav…. It should be noted that some of these family names are often spelt in a variation for example, Gohil is spelt Gohel and Ladwa is spelt Ladva, etc.
The people who were working in the masonry or carpentry occupations were given the title of a mason, carpenter, or masonry etc., and they are known by these names even at present. The people who worked as potters, making utensils, tiles or any related products from earth were called, "Kumbhkar." Kumbh - means clay utensils and kar - means maker. Therefore, Kumbhkar was later called,"Kumbhar." Due to the increase use of their trade and that became well known as, one "Jati" people of Prajapati community it appears that their geographical location determined their title such as Sorathia, Lad, and Varia. Therefore, people who stayed and lived in Sorath were known as "Sorathia Prajapati."
During the wedding ceremony, the presence of Demi-god was considered necessary and in Indian community at the time of all weddings in the Mandap, in all four corners the clay pots made by Kumbhar were necessary due to the fact that the presence of the Demi-god Prajapati was essential and it is a custom to bind such " Chori."(Chori- means that several clay pots are erected upright by each pillar of the Mandap.) This type of Chori is not used in the marriage of Kumbhar/Prajapati community and this proves that Prajapati community originated from a high rank and therefore it is considered unnecessary to use "Chori" because the presence of Demi-gods in the Prajapati community is already there.
Higher castes of Indian community such as Brahmins, Banyas, etc. do not consider it an offense to drink water at a Prajapatis home and when they travel whether in a village or a city, even though there were other facilities available these travelers preferred to stay at Prajapatis house. Therefore its established that by preferring to spend the night at the home of a Prajapati over any other facility available it proves that the Prajapati Community is pure and holy and high in rank, since time immemorable. Looking at the history of the Prajapati community the nature of Prajapati is to provide hospitality, shelter, and politeness to their guests.
In Sinhaldip, the daughter of King Bojraj named Ranakdevi born in "Mood" constellation and by telling of astrologers, the King abandoned her. She survived and who was responsible for bringing her up, giving her shelter, and being a dutiful wife and having high morals? He was Prajapati Hadmat, there are so many such shelter givers, and this is one example. This is proved by their past history. The Kings of Gujrat, took advantage of the Prajapati community, to do free work as "Vasvaya" without paying anything. The potter had to give his services free of charge when officers came and stayed in their town or village, the potter was called to give free service for bringing the water during the stay. Some of the potters left making pottery and became carpenters, but even then they could not escape "Vethna Vara." For generations, these Vethna Vara continued and Prajapati community suffered this heavy task. Only after India gained independence did the Prajapati community received a relief from this task. Many prajapati's became artists, and many of them have received accolades, prizes, and badges, etc for their artwork.
Looking at the present time, the people of Prajapati community in comparison to other communities are poor yet their ancient morals are at a high place. The emphasis on education is a low priority a rare few have expanded the business of pottery and erected big factories to make bricks and other items. They're making so many utensils, clay toys, housewares, and different types of artwork from clay and in doing so they have advanced. In other business, they are doing farming, building, making furniture, and other old crafts and they are promoting artisans. Today, there are some that are educated and have become barristers, lawyers, doctors, engineers, politicians, magistrates, and the government also employs some of them. The whole community is advancing and giving these types of services at different places. They have also established provincial, worldwide Prajapati mandals, Prajapati Samaj, Prajapati youth mandals and some of these publish monthly news letters and give educational advice, suggestions, etc. to advance higher.
Diaspora
Adventurous members of the Prajapati community have traveled and settled in foreign countries and they are trying hard to give education to Prajapati brethren. The majority of these people abroad are engaged as carpenters, masonry, and building work , some of these people have started their own businesses, and also managing small and large businesses. In comparison of other communities the standard of education is very low in their community.
Branches and their surnames
In Gujarat, Prajapati Community having 21 Branch. Some of the Prajapati’s surname will consider as a place like
Variya Prajapati ( Mumbai) Aasvadia
Kanpara, Kapadia, Charolia, Chandrapiya, Juvarda, Jotaniya, Timbalia, Tundiya, Thoriya, Dhamoshiya, Nadiyapara, Badelia, Maradiya, Mudashiya, Mordhara, Varmora, Vasani, Vispara, Sanura, Sardhara, Arviya, Sitapara, Surani, Harnesha.
Variya Prajapati’s (Morbi)
Andodariya, Ubhadiya, Kansagra, Garotar, Girnari, Devaliya, Gharodiya, Nagvadiya, Mariyaniya, Nandasiya, Badrikhiya, Bagsara, Baregiya, Bhorniya, Mahijadiya, Maddiya, Vadoliya, Vamja, arevadiya, Varneshiya, Vahdeshiya, Sachaniya, Sadashiya, Savadoya.
Variya Prajapati’s ( Nadiad)
Fatudiya, Kapadia, Golaniya, Deraniya, Zanzukiya, Danani, Parbadiya, Bhamani, Mitaliya, Meghani, Mokani, Mogidara, Ranpura, Ramani, Lakhtariya, Luvani, Vadgama, Sapra, Hamirani.
Variya Prajapati’s (JamKhambriya)
Ajmeriya, Aashiyana, Ideriya, Kherada, Garodhra, Chachpara, Tankodara, Derora, Nadiyapara, Panchasara, Morzariya, Lathiya, Variya, Vasveliya, Vachanni, Vadoliya.
Kachhi Prajapati
Aadisara, Gotrakiya, Gohil, Gangani, Ghoda, Chavda, Chonani, Chandura, Jekdiya, Zizuvadiya, Tharadra, Datraniya, Nathani, Naykiya, Puranmiya, Bhuchecha, Bhatti, Bhinde, Mithavaya, Rathod, Rakua, Variya, Vaghani, Vasani, Shinara, Saretiya, Hamipara, Halai.
Banas Khata Gujjar Prajapati
Aanavadiya, Oza, Aatroliya, Kamboya, Kambdiya, Kodiya, Concractor, Khadaliya, Gujjar, Ghacheliya, Chadokhiya, Chadotariya, Chapaneri, Jaloriya, Dalvaniya, Dhedhala, Navisniya, Nandodariya, Patni, Bhagdiya, Madaniya, Mahival, Megada, Madaniya, Vadgama, Vadnagra, Valmiya, Vavdiya, Samochiya, Sagrasniya, Swami.
Shree Aath Pargana Gujjar Prajapati’s Ahmedabad
Uparlla, Jotaniya, Panchsara, Upara, Zinzuvadiya, Prajapati, Upriyara, Dathaniya, Bakraniya, Upala, Dangrechiya, Bajaniya, Oza, Tajpura, Bhadriya, Koidiya, Taspara, Bhalgama, Kordiya, Dalwadi, Malliya, Kolvada, Detroja, Munpara, Kumbhaniya, Ghumasana, Modiya, Kuvariya, Dholakiya, Moidiya, Khordiya, agvadiya, Mandli, Gujjar, Nayakpura, Lakhtariya, Gorvadiya, Patadiya, Lechiya, Goriyavada, Parurpala, Viramgami, Goya, Paruupaliya, Vedukiya, Ghumasana, Paruparla, Shichora, Chavda, Paruparla, Satapara, Chhon, Parupaliya, Sureliya, Jasalpura, Palliya, Sokanki, Jesalpura, Paliya, Harija, Jotani, Hareja.
Gujjar Prajapati’s Surname
Katakpara, Kamdiya, Koshiya, Kudla, Kordiya, Kachdiya, Kaprotiya, Kangrechiya, Kacha, Kotadiya, Kukadiya, Karyani, Kasampara, Khokhar, Khichaadiya, Khakhariya, Gavaniya, Gujarati, Gadhvana, Jagani, Gohel, Ghatliya, Chauhan, Chadotra, Chavda, Changdiya, Zinzuvadiya, Jagtiya, Jogidas, Jadhav, Jethva, Jambudiya, Dhorkiya, Dhulkotiya, Dabhi, Dodiya, Tank, Talsaniya, Nagvadiya, Nagdipa, Padliya, Andiyadi, Panchasara, Patadiya, Pipaliya, Parmar, Pubhadiya, Bavadiya, Bakotiya, Bhalgama, Bhalsod, Rajvadiya, Rathod, Rukadiya, Bhutiya, Mandli, Malvaniya, Madiya, Mathkiya, Makhechiya, Makwana, Mandlik, Muliya, Machoya, Mekhiya, Satani, Satapara, Ladva, Vada, Hadvadiya, Halas, Oza, Ajmera, Vaghela, Vejalpura, Upara.
Char Pargana Prajapati’s Surname
Aabua, Gadviya, Gelda, Gohil, Dhunela, Ghesdiya, Ghoda, Ghetiyana, Chatariya, Chatdiya, Chibdiya, Chudmera, Chovechaya, Chauhan, Jandiya, Jodadra, Tadav, Tetauva, Dadi, Dodgama, Dangmiya, Dhemecha, Tharadra, Thobhani, Deeya, Nandhariya, Naroliya, Padhiyar, Parmar, Bagediya, Budedara, Bharkiya, Bhatvara, Bhoducha, Bhoducha, Bhorola, Makwana, Maghpariya, Medliya, Morvadiya, Rathod, Ramediya, Lunsheriya, Vavecha, Shenavua, Saprediya, Sarvaniya, Sachora, Sisudiya, Sungara, Sogra, Solanki.
Shree Variya Prajapati (Morbi,Than,Vankaner,Rajkot,Surendra Nagar)
Gharodiya, Varvadiya, Uttvadiya, Bhadrakiya, Andodriya, Bhorniya, Savadiya, Varneshiya, Vadaviya, Barejiya, Vaghela, Ghumliya, Kansagra, Vamja, Nadashiya, Barasara, Narniya, Kadivar, Bopaliya, Mahijadiya, Mahemdavadi, Sakhanpara, Sanja, Dhariyela, Padja, Charola, Ubhadiya.
Shree Sorathiya Prajapati’s Surname
Kamriya, Katriya, Kidecha, Kukdiya, Kuskiya, Koriya, Kanchara, Khiloya, Girnara, Gadhiya, Gohel, Gadhvana, Gagher, Ghediya, Chandegra, Chavda, Chauhan, Chitroda, Chhara, Jethva, Jagatiya, Jadhav, Jogiya, Tank, Dabhi, Devdiya, Dhokiya, Nena, Parmar, Pankhaniya, Poriya, Phataniya, Bhucha, Bhardava, Bhalsod, Majevadiya, Mandora, Mavdiya, Makwana, Malviya, Maru, Ravat, Rathod, Ladva, Varu, Visavadiya, Vaghela, Vara, Vadher, Vegad, Vadukud, Singdiya, Sarviya, Savniya, Solanki.
Vataliya Prajapati’s (Rajkot)
Aabareliya, Amethiya, Aerad, Aambaliya, Akevadiya, Aadtalisha. Aatmadiya, Odiyan, Ekvadiya, Unagara, Usvadiya, Kadsariya, Kaklotar, Katariya, Katriya, Kasriya, Kadodariya, Kadoliya, Kareliya, Kanpara, Kar, Kariyaniya, Kukiya, Kasbariya, Khadsaliya, Khaskiya, Khanpariya, Khadiya, Gaghesara, Gundadiya, Gondaliya, Ganoliya, Ghodadara, Ghoghari, Ghaskata, Gharsanda, Ghaneliya, Ghudkhadiya, Jajattar, Jikadara, Jesiya, Jogiya, Jpodara, Jalalpariya, Zanzmera, Tapniya, Dumradiya, Dakhra, Tarsiya, Devganiya, Dhandnukiya, Dholakiya, Dhananiya, Narigara, Navdiya, Nathani, Pubdhiya, Pipliya, Pasesa, Purvesa, Panchviya, Pandav, Panmiya, Parhatjiya, Barad, Badaniya, Bapodara, Bariniya, Bavdiya, Bhadiya, Badiyadara, Bhuttiya, Madvi, Mandviya, Migar, Malankiya, Raval, Rudkiya, Rahukiya, Rana, Lotniya, Loliyana, Lodniya, Lalbhari, Vora, Vyas, Variya, Vadhiyara, Vashiya, Vavdiya, Vadhiya, Verpara, Vejalpuriya, Varsangiya, Vadukadiya, Shihora, Sakhpariya, Sankhbadaniya, Somaliya, Sartanpara, Solanki, Sodagar, Singhani, Sarvaiya, Sorvad, Sosvan, Satusvadiya, Sokhdiya, Sarniya, Sathdiya, Hara.
Parjiya Prajapati’s Surname
Chavda, Bhatti, Malvi, Boricha, Tank, Gohelas, Veraya, Vegad.
Kacchi Prajapati’s Surname
Kordiya, Kacha, Kayat, Korivadiya, Gagani, Gotrakiya, Gaghei, Ghoda, Chonani, Chandura, Zekriya, Zinzuvadiya, Zinzudiya, Zavriya, Dabhi, Tharadara, Datraniya, Dadrecha, Dathani, Naykiya, Panvigha, Padliya, Puraniya, Balgama, Bhatti, Bhalani, Maru, Nasaliya, Mithavaya, Manjva, Medavadi, Rathod, Raphusa, Variyya, Vasani, Vaghani, Sareriya, Suvar, Sinada, Hamipara, Aadesara, Aevariya, Indraviya, Halai, Ravechiya, Panchasariya, Jesarpara.
Shree Gujjar Kshatraya Kadiya Prajapati’s Surname
Cacha, Kakrecha, Kukdiya, Khashiya, Khetani, Kholakiya, Garnara, Gediya, Gohil, Chavda, Chotaliya, Chauhan, Jadhav, Jethva, Tank, Divecha, Ghoriya, Parmar, Poriya, Barad, Bavdiya, Bhatti, Makwana, Malvi, Malviya, Maru, Mevada, Mistry, Mekhiya, Mandor, Yadav, Rathod, Ladva, Lakhani, Varu, Vaghela, Vanra, Vadher, Vada, Sapra, Sapriya, Solanki, Aajagiya.
Sorathiya Prajapati’s Community U.K
Bhalsod, Bhardava, Bhardhraj, Buhecha, Chandegra, Chavda, Chhaya, Chitroda, Chauhan, Dabhi, Devdiya, Dhokiya, Phataniya, Gadher, Gadhiya, Gadvana, Ghedia, Gohil, GOla, Jagtiya, Jethva, Jogiya, Kamaliya, Kansara, Koriya, Kukdaya, Ladva, Majevadiya, Mandora, Mavadiya, Nena, Oza, Pankhaniya, Parmar, Rathod, Ravat, Savaniya, Singadiya, Solanki, Tank, Vadher, Vadukud, Vara, Varu, Vagad, Visavadia, Yadav.
Shree Variya Kumbhar Samaj (Mumbai)
Ajmeriya, Aashiyani, Derada, Idariya, Kherada, Khotari, Lathia, Maheta, Nadiapara, Oza, Panchasara, Sanchania, Sitapara, Takodra, Vadoliya, Vachhabi, Garodhra, Variya.
