Muslim Vora/Vhora community of Gujarat

                                     Gujarati Vhora Muslims are wealthiest & most prosperous among all Gujarat Muslim communities. Vhora word derived from Vhoravu means to trade.Vhora/Vora are Muslim of Mustali branch of Shia Ismaili Muslims.They have been living in Gujarat since the 11th century.In 1067 AD Dai Abdulla came Khambhat from Haraz Yemen. He was sent here to preach Ismaili sect by Ismaili head Mullah of Yemen Arabia.In 11 to 13 century many Gujarati upper castes Brahmin, Nagar & Vanik adopted Islam & became Shia Vhora under influence of Mustali preachers.Vhora/Vora is also a surname of upper castes Brahmin, Nagar & Vanik Hindu communities of Gujarat.Some Shia Ismaili Vhora families came into Gujarat with their Mota Mullaji-spiritual head from Aden in 1539 AD.Some Shia Ismaili Vhora families came into Gujarat with their Mota Mullaji-spiritual head from Aden in 1539 AD.In middle age from 14 century Shia Ismaili sect Saints, Mullah & preachers were harassed by Gujarat's Muslim rulers as they were Sunni Muslims.

                                       11th century Mustali Shia Ismaili preacher Dai Abdulla was great erudite. He studied Hindu religion, custom & tradition at Khambhat & Patan.11-12th century Gujarat king Siddharaj Jaysinh Solanki went to Shia Mustali Ismaili Dai Abdulla to pay respects.He honoured Dai Abdulla.Under influence of spiritual power & miracle of Shia Mustali Ismaili Saint Dai Abdulla, many Gujarati Hindu adopted Islam & became Shia Vhora.In 14 & 15 century during Sultnat time, Shia Vhora were harassed & tortured by Sultans who were Sunni Muslims.So many Shia Vhora became SunniIn 15th century founder of Ahmedabad Gujarat Sultan Ahmedshah killed Shia Vhora head Mullaji as he did not begin Ramzan as per Sunni rules.

                                        In 1539 AD 24th Dai/Vada Mullaji-spiritual head of Shia Ismaili Vhora Yusuf Najamuddin came from Yemen & founded 1st Gadi-seat at Siddhapur.Places of Gadi-seat of Dai-spiritual head of Shia Ismaili Daudi Vora from 1539 AD to present; Siddhpur, Ahmedabad, Jamnagar, Ujjain, Burhanpur & Surat.After the death of Shia Mustali Ismaili Vhora's spiritual head 26th Dai Daudji in 1588 AD, they were divided into Sulaymani Vhora & Daudi Vhora.Sub sects of Mustali Shia Ismaili Vhora: Jafari, Sulaymani, Alia, Nagoshi and Daudi.Shia Ismaili Vhora sub sect Nagosi Vhora was founded in 1789 AD in Gujarat. Nagosi means no Gost-meat.These Nagosi Vhora were vegetarian.Male names of Gujarati Vhora/Vora Muslims is suffixed by 'ali' or 'ji' e.g. Taiyabali, Musaji, Ganiji etc.Some Gujarati Vhora Muslim surname indicate their profession/goods-commodity they sale/their domicile city eg Nalwala, Rangwala, Rangoonwala.In old time Vhora Muslims were known also as 'Lotia' in Gujarat because of their Lota-metal water jug without handle shape Paghadi-turban.In 19th century many Gujarati Vhora Muslims migrated to Africa,Burma,Malaya,Indonesia Aden & gulf countries for business and settled there.
In 19th & early 20th century Vhora Muslims built magnificent European style mansions furnished with western furniture at Siddhpur,Surat & Mumbai.Old Gujarati proverb " VHORA NO MAL RODA MA JAY" means Vhora's wealth/money is expended in stones ( buildings ).

Written by Bipin Thanky
( Tweets of my twitter handle @GujaratHistory )

Meman Muslim community of Gujarat

                                    In 1421 Hazrat Saiyad Yusufudin Kadari came from Bagdad to Nagarthatha Sindh to preach Islam.He was received by Sama Rajput ruler Jam Raydan.Nagarthatha Sindh ruler Jam Raydan & Lohana community chief Manekji with 700 Lohana families adopted Islam under influence of Saint Yusufudin.15 century Saint Yusufudin changed neo Muslim Lohana chief Manekji's son & grandson names of Ravji, Sundarji & Hansraj as Ahmed, Adam & Tajmoh'd.15 century Saint Yusufudin named group of neo Muslims who converted from 700 Hindu Lohana families as Momins/Memans means believer of Islam.15th century Saint Pir Yusufudin appointed Lohana chief's grandson Adam as chief of neo Muslim Meman community with his HQ at Var city Sindh.15 century Saint Pir Yusufudin appointed his son as Pirzada & spiritual head of neo Muslim Memans & left Sindh by giving blessings to Memans.In 16 century many Meman families left Sindh & settled in Kutch-Saurashtra on the invitation of Kutch ruler Khengar & spread other Indian places.Ancestors of Memans of Dhoraji in Saurashtra were farmers from Asambia village Tal.Mandvi of Kutch.

Meman is business community.19th century tycoons Kutchi Meman Haji Zakaria built Zakaria Masjid in Mumbai and 19th century Meman Sheth Dada Abdulla Zaveri of Porbandar was business tycoon of South Africa.He employed Gandhiji in S.Africa in 1893 AD.

Written by Bipin Thanky
{ Tweets of my twitter handle @GujaratHistory }

Lohana community of Gujarat

                                    Lohana of Gujarat are Kshatriya originally.They are Surya Vanshi Rajput of Raghu dynasty.Lord Ram is their ancestor.They are known as Raghuvanshi.In ancient time Lohana of Gujarat lived in Lohanpur city near Multan in Punjab now in Pakistan OR in Lohkot/Lohur/Lohavar town in Kashmir.From ancient time Lohana were migrating from Punjab to Sindh and from Sindh to Kutch, Saurashtra & Gujarat due to foreign invasions on Punjab.Historical evidence shows that Lohana lived in Sindh as far back as 8th century.Sindh king Dahir's Diwan Akhay/Akshay was of Lohana community.In ancient & middle age Lohana were Diwan-chief minister of states of Sindh, Kutch & Saurashtra.as Lohana are good statesman & administrator.

                                     In 1519 AD Jam Raval Jadeja of Kutch founded Jamnagar state in Halar.His Lohana subject from Kutch settled in Halar.They are Halari Lohana.In 1519 AD Jam Raval Jadeja founded Jam state.He made Jam Khambhaliya his capital.Many Lohana families from Kutch settled in new capital.Gujarati Lohana's surnames such as Majithia & Ruparel link them with Punjab as both these surnames found in Punjab at present.Historian Elliot noted that Lohana preserved their dignity & religion still today even after a lot of sufferings, tortures by foreign invaders.

                                     In the 13th century Lohana began to migrate from Sindh to Kutch.In 1548 AD when Rao Khengarji Jadeja founded Kutch state, they came Kutch in mass.In 1947 AD when India partitioned, Hindu refugees from Sindh came to Gujarat.Among them, Sindhi Lohana were in majority.They speak Sindhi.Lohana of Gujarat are categorized as per their geographical regions such as Halari, Ghoghari, Kutchi (speak Kutchi), Sindhi (speak Sindhi) etc.Most of Gujarati Lohana are Vaishnav.In the 16th century, many Lohana families became Pushtimargi Vaishnav under influence of Vallabhacharya.In Hinduism Brahmin & Kshatriya are eligible for Upnayan Sanskar & to wear Janoi-sacred thread.Lohana also wear Janoi as they are Kshatriya.Sarswat are Brahmin of Lohana community.They also came with Lohana from Punjab to Sindh in ancient time.They spread from Sindh to Gujarat.Lohana of Gujarat were farmer in middle age.Later they became traders.They contributed to the development of Mumbai & Karachi in 19-20th century. In the 15th century, Sindh Lohana chief Manekji with 700 Lohana families adopted Islam under influence of Saint Yusufudin.They are known as Memon.

                                      Gujarati Lohana are known as Thakkar which is derived from Sanskrit word Thakkur means respectable person/rich person/high-status person.Some surnames of Lohana formed by suffix 'ni' to their ancestor name. 'Ni' means 'of ' eg Lakhani, Devani, Rajani, Khetani, Kanani, Premani etc.After the discovery of Africa Gujarat coastal area people went there in the 19th century. Porbandar's Bhatia, Lohana, Memon and Khoja went there.In 20th century Saurashtrian Lohana Nanji Kalidas Mehta & Muljibhai Madhvani of Porbandar were top business tycoons of East Africa.Many Saurashtra Lohana families migrated East Africa in early 20th century after Porbandars Lohana Nanji Kalidas Mehta & Muljibhai Madhvani.Gujarati Lohana is a prosperous community.In past & present, so many great personalities of every field were/are from this community.

Written by Bipin Thanky
(Tweets on Lohana from my twitter handle 
@GujaratHistory)

Bhatia community of Gujarat

                                    Bhatias are originally Yaduvanshi Sama dynasty Bhatti Rajputs of Jaisalmer. In 1316 AD 2000 Bhatia families migrated to Sindh & Punjab.In 14th century Bhatias were agriculturist & fisherman in Sindh.Vallabhacharya made them Vaishnav & vegetarian.They began to wear Janoi-thread.Around 1350 AD some Bhatia families migrated to Kutch from Sindh. Here they settled in Tera, Vinjan & Kothara towns of Abdasa Taluka of Kutch.In 16th century Bhatias spread from Abdasa Taluka to newly founded Kutch cities Mandvi, Mundra & Anjar and Saurashtra. They became traders.When Kutch king Khengarji founded Mandvi city in 1581 he invited Sindh big trader Bhatia Topan to Mandvi to develop trade & shipping of city.In 16th century Nagarsheth Bhatia Topan & his castes traders made Mandvi Kutch a major port of western India in middle age.He built Topansar lake in Mandvi.Nagarsheth Bhatia Topan built grand Lakshminarayan temple at Mandvi Kutch in 1607 AD. It is adorned with fine sculpture & stone carving.Kutchi Bhatias whose surname is Toprani are descendants of 16th century Mandvi Kutch Nagarsheth Topan Bhatia.

                                     In mid 19th century, Sheth Gokuldas Tejpal Bhatia of Kothara Kutch settled in Mumbai was one of richest persons of India.He built GT Hospital & GT Hostel in Mumbai.He also built GT Highschool In Mandvi & Kothara in Kutch.Gujarat had the close relation with Zanzibar for centuries.Kutchi Bhatia & Khoja traders played the major role in Zanzibar economy in 19th century.In mid 19th century Zanzibar ruler Muscat now Oman Sultan Sayyid Said encouraged Gujarati & especially Kutchi Bhatias to settle in Zanzibar.In 19 century Bhatia Jeram Shivji was one of biggest slave trader of the world at Zanzibar.When slavery abolished he freed stock of 10000 slaves.After the discovery of Africa Gujarat coastal area people went there in 19th century. Porbandar's Bhatia, Lohana, Memon and Khoja went there.

In 18th & 19th centuries Gujarat trader communities Parsi, Bhatia,  Vanik, Lohana, Meman, Khoja & Vora developed newly founded Mumbai and Karachi.237 years ago in 1780 AD population of Mumbai was 47170 of which Gujarati Brahmin 177, Vanik 1637, Bhatia 290, Surati Patel 39 & Parsi 3087.In 1840 Karachi population was 13850.Of which Hindu 9000, Muslim 4850. Brahmin 900,Sindhi & Kutchi Bhatia 600,Khatri 1400,Khoja & Memon 250.

                                     In 18th & 19th century Bhatia traders of Kutch Gujarat were financial advisers of Sultans of Muscat-Oman who were also Sultan of East Africa.20th century Bhatia philanthropist Khimji Ramdas Thakarshi of Mandvi Kutch was big tycoon of Muscat now Oman.

Written by Bipin Thanky
(Tweets from my twitter handle @GujaratHistory)

Koli people of Gujarat

                                    Kolis are one of oldest inhabitants of Gujarat.As per their belief, they are Suryavanshi Rajputs & descendants of Surya dynasty king Yuvanashva.In ancient time Koli lived in the delta of Sindhu river of Sindh.As per myth Goddess Hingalaj ordered them to leave Sindh.So they came to Gujarat.In ancient time Kolis came to Gujarat from Sindh & settled in Nal Sarovar area & south Saurashtra.From here they spread in Gujarat & Konkan.In ancient time Sonang Mer was chief of Kolis.He had 12 sons.Sub castes of Kolis are made from descendants of this 12 sons of Sonang Mer.

                                     Five major castes of Kolis of Gujarat are Talpada,Chunvaliya,Valakia,Khant & Gediya.There are many sub castes of these five major branches.Kolis of Gujarat have Rajput surnames such as Sarvaiya,Chudasama,Makwana,Rathod,Zala,Gohil,Chauhan,Chavda,Solanki,Jethava,Parmar Kolis are known as Koli ,Kharava,Khant,Koli Patel, Koli Thakor,Machhi ,Tandel in Gujarat.They are farmer,agriculture labour,seaman,fisherman,sailor etc.In middle age Kolis were good soldiers.They served in Sultans army.In old time some were engaged in theft & loot.They were escorts & guards.In old time Kolis were excellent Pagi-tracer who follows criminals from their foot print.They were recruited in police departments of states In ancient time Koli Khant kings founded Dhandhuka,Dhandhalpur & Petlad towns Of Gujarat.

                                     Koli name may be derived from Koli named a king or Kol-boat or Kul dynasty or ancient Kol state situated south of Vindhyanchal mountains.145 years ago as per first census of Gujarat of 1872 AD population of Koli in Gujarat was 965000 out of Gujarat total population 9129722..

Written by Bipin Thanky
(Tweets on Koli people in my twitter handle @GujaratHistory)

Rabari community of Gujarat

                                    Gujarat Rabari are originally nomads Maldhari-shephard community with strong & powerful physique engaged in animal husbandry & agriculture.As per myth Lord Shiva produced a camel & man named Sambal to graze it.Sambal married celestial nymph Rai.Their descendants are Raika. Rabari.As per another myth Sambal & Rai had 4 daughters Namala,Kamala,Premala & Uma.They were married to Rathod,Padhiyar,Parmar & Yadav Rajputs.Historians believe that Rabari came to India with Gurjjars from central Asia in 6 century.They may be Gurjjar/Hum/Kushan/Barbar/Bulban Turk.In ancient time Rabari came to Jaisalmer-Marwad from Haryana.In 8th -14th century they came to Kutch & North Gujarat from Marwad & via Sindh.In 1540 AD when Jam Raval migrated from Kutch to Halar in Saurashtra,his Rabari subject also came with him in Saurashtra & settled in Gir & Barada mountain forest.Major population of Rabari were at Tharparkar in Sindh,Marwad,North Gujarat,Kutch and Gir jungle & Barada mountain range in Saurashtra.

                                      Local names for Rabai:In west Kutch-Kachhela,In Anjar & Bhachau-Dhebaria,east Kutch-Vagadia,north Gujarat-Patania,central Gujarat-Desai.In Gir & Sasan-Sorathia,In Barada mountain range-Bhopa,In Marwad- Raika,In Punjab-Bhopa & In Sindh-Mir.Cluster of Rabari dwellings is known as Nes in Saurashtra,Vandh in Kutch and Dhanni in Marwad.It is like a camp which can be shifted easily.Rabari are Shakti worshipers.Their deity is Goddess Momay-Mahamaya Mataji.They also worship Hinglaj,Vankol,Sakkat,Ravechi,Zampi,Bheda Mataji.Rabaris of Gujarat have faith in Ramdev,Vachhada Dada,Pabuji,Alam Pir,Jaduva Pir and Haji Pir who sacrificed his life to save cows in Kutch.Every year in Aso month Rabaris gathered in mass at their Bhuva temple for a religious ritual of Punj.They spray Gulal mixed Ghee each other.Rabari sing 'Saraju' in chorus in rhyme in religious rituals which is believed are hymn of Samveda.It can not be understood by hearing.

                                       Rabari are Maldhari-livestock owner.In time of famine,they shift their cattle to jungles of MP,Chhatisgadh and far to Andhra Pradesh.Rabari community respect their women who take care of financial matters and keep accounts of sale of milk,Ghee,wool and animals.Rabari are martial & brave community.In middle age they worked as soldier,guard & escorts.In early 14th century a Rabari became Delhi Sultan.Gujarati Rabari slave boy became army chief Khushrukhan who killed last Khilji Sultan Kutubuddin in 1320 & became Delhi Sultan Nasiruddin.It is believed that 10th century Sama dynasty Kutch king Lakha Fulani was a son of a Rabari lady named Sonal Rabaran.


Written by Bipin Thanky

(From my tweets of my twitter handle @GujaratHistory)

Mer people of Saurashtra

                                    Mer/Maher are brave unique community with strong powerful physique & height with beautiful face.They live in Barada & Ghed area of Porbandar.Origin of Mer, a brave caste of Gujarat, is uncertain.According to historians Elliot,Tod,Forbes they came to Gujarat from Punjab/Sindh/Ajmer.Mer are farmer.In old time Rajsakha Mer were landlord of Porbandar Jethwa state.Main branches of Mer are Keshvala,Rajsakha,Modhvadia,Odedara.In ancient time Soning Mer was chief in Hinglaj Mata area of Baluchistan.He migrated to Saurashtra.His son Dhanraj Mer founded Dhandhuka.In 1174 AD Dhan Mer donated Dhandhuka to Valam Brahmins of Talaja.Dhan Mer with his community shifted to other parts of Saurashtra.As per copper plate deed of Tmbana of 1203 AD,Timbana ruler was Jagmal Mer who built temples in memory of his father & mother at Talaja.As per stone inscription of 1216 Ad of Shiyal Bet near Jafarabad,there was ruler Ransinh Maher.In 1330 AD Thepak Mer was Hathsani ruler.It is believed that Mer/Maher came to Sorath area (present Junagadh & Porbandar districts) from Gohilvad (eastern Saurashtra) after 1330 AD.

                                      Mer mean Mukhi-chief.Mer branches-Keshvala,Sisodia,Rajsakha,Sumara,Parmar,Solanki,Vadher,Kishor,Vala,Chauhan,Bhatti,Chavda,Vaghela,Gohil etc.Original Mer branch Keshvala Mer are descendants of Lord Ram.They are descendants of Lord Ram's son Kush.They are known as Kushvala-Keshvala.As per myth Odedara Mer are Yaduvanshi Sumara.They are descendants of Shri Krishna dynasty Sumaraji who married in Mer & settled in Odadar.

Ancestor of Rajsakha Mer branch was Randhirji Jethwa.He married in Mer & became Mer.As Jethwa were ruler of Barda,they known as Rajsakha Mer.It is believed Saindhav branch Mer are descendants of Saindhv dynasty of Ghumli.Bhatti/Bhutiya Mer are descendant of Yaduvanshi king Bhupat.Gohil Rajput's ancestor Sejakji Gohil's brother Visaji Gohil married daughter of Dhan Mer & became Mer.His descendants are Gohil Mer.Some surname of Mer are from their villages e.g. Odadar-Odedara,Modhvada-Modhvadia,Bapodar-Bapodara,Kuchhadi-Kuchhadia,Karavadar-Karavadaria.Villages of Barada area having major Mer population - Modhvada,Odadar,Bakharala,Khambhodar,Visavada,Fatana,Advana,Sodhana etc.Mer Maldev Rana Keshvala was painter,musician,historian & writer.He wrote book 'Mer Javnmardo'.He was first MLA of Porbandar after freedom.

Written by Bipin Thanky
( Tweets on Mer people from my twitter handle @GujaratHistory )

Bardai Brahmin of Saurashtra

                                    As per myth Lord Krishna settled Brahmins on Mount Girnar & surrounding in Saurashtra in very ancient time.They are known as Girnara Brahmin.In ancient time a large group of Girnara Brahmin settled in Barada mountain range in Porbandar-Dwarka district. They are known as Bardai Brahmin.Bardai Brahmins are agriculturist & farmers. They are not Karmakandi-performing religious rituals. They are of strong physique & brave.In early 14th century, thousands of Bardai Brahmins sacrificed their lives to protect their refugee Son Kansari from Ghumli ruler Bhan Jethwa.
                                     
                                     Bardai Brahmin live in villages & cites of Porbandar & Dwarka districts.Around 20% of the population of Porbandar city is of Bardai Brahmins.Surnames of Bardai Brahmins are Thanki (Dave), Modha (Jani), Pandit,  Joshi, Rajyaguru, Bambhania, Santhara, Bapodara, Kindarkhedia & Bhogayata.Gujarats great scholar of history & Sanskrit & founder of Vishwa Hindu Parishad late Padmasri Keshavram Kashiram Shastri (Bambhania) was a Bardai Brahmin.Famous actor Dilip Joshi who performs role of Jethalal in TV serial ' Tarak Mehta Ke Ulte Chashme ' is a Bardai Brahmin from Gosa village near Porbandar.

Written by Bipin Thanky
( Tweets of my twitter handle @GujaratHistory )

Ghumli,Son Kansari & Bardai Brahmin of Saurashtra

                                           Bhutambilika/Ghumli was capital city of 12th century Jethava dynasty Rajput state of west Saurashtra extended from todays Porbandar to Morbi.According to book 'Makardhwajvanshi Mahimala' Morbi area of Saurashtra was under rule of 12 century Jethava kings of Ghumli west Saurashtra.12th & 13th century Jethava rulers of Ghumali west Saurashtra were under rule of Gujarat's Solanki/Vaghela kings at Patan.Bhutambilika/Ghumali Tal Bhanvad Dist Dwarka is important historical place of Gujarat It was capital of west Saurashtra in 8 to 14 century.Dwarika,Junagadh,Valabhipur, Vanthali Prabhas,Mahuva,Dholaka Dhandhuka Wadhwan are ancient cities.Destroyed Ghumali was a big ancient city.In 12th century in Solanki age two grand Navalakha temples were built at cost of nine Lakh Drams each at Ghumali & Sejakpur in Saurashtra.1000 years ago biggest Ganesh temple of Gujarat was at Ghumali Saurashtra. It's ruins are there. It is still pilgrimage for Kutchi Maheshwaris.

                                             In end of 13th century a daughter with 2 teeth born to Shankhodwar Bet ruler Dudanshi Vadhel. Astrologer predicted her evil omen to family.Infant girl was put in a wooden box & immersed in sea Floating box with infant girl reached to coast of Miyani port where a Kansara found it.As Kansara-coppersmith was childless,he adopted infant girl & brought up as his daughter Son. When she became young,she was very beautiful.Miyani ruler Prabhat Chavda wished to marry Son but she refused. Son & her father left Miyani for fear of ruler & migrated to Ghumali.In Ghumli Son Kansari married Rakhayat Babaria who was Ghumli ruler Bhan Jethwa's brother-in-laws son When marriage finished decoits arrived.Dacoits looted cows & cattle From marriage Mandap Rakhayat went to fight with dacoits He was killed in action Son Kansari decided to be Sati.Ghumli ruler Rana Bhan Jethwa sent message to Son Kansari not to be Sati & order her to marry with him She refused to marry Rana Bhan Jethwa..Son Kansari took refuge of Bardai Brahmins of Ghumli Bhan Jethwa ordered Bardai Brahmins to surrender Son Kansari but Bardai Brahmin refused.In around 1315 AD Ghumli ruler Bhan Jethwa sent soldiers against Bardai Brahmins Thousands of Brahmin sacrificed their lives to protect Son.Son Kansari became Sati She cursed,'Ghumali will be destroyed forever' In 1316 Sindh prince Bamanioji invaded Ghumali & destroyed it forever.In ruins of Ghumali city,there is ruined temple of Son Kansari. A hill of Barada mountain range is known as Son hill.Story of bravery of Bardai Brahmins & their martyr deaths for protection of refugee Son Kansari is narrated in a book of Zaverchand Meghani.A historical Gujarati novel 'Sati Sonal Ni Sakhate' was written by Devkumar Modha published at Porbandar in 1970 AD.

Written by Bipin Thanky
(Tweets from my twitter handle @GujaratHistory)

People of Saurashtra in Tamil Nadu

                                   After invasions on Somnath by Mahmud Gazni in 1026 & Alauddin Khilji in 1300 large groups of south Saurashtra Brahmin migrated to Tamil Nadu.In early 14 century Saurashtra Brahmins reached Tamil Nadu via Maharashtra,Karnataka & Andhra Pradesh. Some went by sea route & Konkan coast.

In early 14th century Saurashtra Brahmins settled in Madurai & surrounding area.They are known as Saurashtri.Their dialect is Saurashtri.Tamil Nadu Saurashtri people speak Tamil with others but among themselves speak in Saurashtri which is written in Nagari script.Tamil Nadu Saurashtri people's language Saurashtri is mixture of Kannad,Telugu,Tamil & 14th century old Gujarati as they came in 14 century.In old time Tamil Nadu Saurashtra people were in profession of cloth weaving & dyeing.They bear surnames of Aiyar and Aiyangar.In Tamil Nadu Saurashtri people marriage ritual fathers of both bride & bridegroom declare that they belong to Saurashtra.

( From my twitter handle @GujaratHistory tweets of 16 May 2016 )