Thread by @GujaratHistory

Nagar people of Gujarat are progressive, intelligent, well educated & good administrators. They are the inhabitant of Gujarat since ancient time. 15th-century worshipper poet Narsinh Mehta is the identity of Nagars. From today we begin a tweet thread on Nagar community of Gujarat

As per the belief of historians Nagar people of Gujarat came from Greece, Macedonia/Syria/South Europe/North Asia to India in ancient time. There is a Nagar ground near Jordan & Israel where there was Nagar city.

Nagar people live in Egypt, Iran & Afghanistan. There is a Nagar Khel town in Afghanistan. Afghan Nagar people are scholars, intellectual & good administrators. When Nagar people came to India, first they settled in Kashmir & Punjab then spread to Sindh, Malwa & north India.

Nagar people founded Nagar Kot & Atak/Hatak in Sindh and Nagada & Nagor in Rajasthan. They came to Gujarat in ancient time & settled in Anandnagar (now Vadnagar).

According to some scholars, Nagar came to Gujarat with king Kanaksen in the 1st century of Vikram Samvat. Some scholars believe that Nagar came to Vadnagar of Gujarat with Maitrak rulers around 348 CE.

Nagars had close relations with the Maitrak dynasty kings of the Valabhi empire of Gujarat. Maitrak & Nagar were sun worshippers. Nagars followed pure Vedic rituals only. The custom of worshipping Hatakeshwar began in Nagar later. ('Nagarotpati' by Mayashankar Mehta)

Nagar left Sindh & came to Anandnagar (Vadnagar) area of Gujarat as Nag rulers of Patal (South Sindh) attacked them frequently. Nag king attacked Nagar in the Vadnagar area & defeated them. Nag destroyed their capital 'Chamatkarpur'.(Nagarkhand of Skandapurana)

Gupta dynasty king Samudragupta (reign 350-375 AD) defeated Nag rulers of India. He helped Nagar of the Vadnagar area against Nag ruler of Patal (Sindh). Nagars rebuilt Anandnagar. Bhatruyagna became head/chief of the Nagar community of the Vadnagar area.

Gujarat was under rule of Gupta dynasty of Pataliputra during 400-480.Nagars of Anandnagar (Vadnagar) were under Gupta kings. Nagar chief Bhatruyagna was a scholar.He with other scholars wrote 'Skandapuran' with Prabhaskhand,Nagarkhand,Revakhand in memory of Gupta king Skandagupt

Around 348 AD, Anandnagar (Vadnagar) Nagar chief Bhatruyagna framed rules of custom, tradition & conduct for Nagars according to Varnashram Sanskara. He was a Sanskrit scholar & wrote commentaries on Katyayanshrot Sutra & Paraskar Guhya Sutra.

6th century Devverma Nagar invented Nagar script to write Sanskrit language.Prior to this invention,Sanskrit was written in Brahmi script.His script is known as Devnagari script & Sanskrit,Prakrit,Dogri,Gujarati,Hindi,Kashmiri, Marathi,Nepali,Punjabi,Rajasthani etc written in it.

Maitrak kings of Valabhi empire invited Nagar Brahmins of Anandnagar (Vadnagar) to Saurashtra to preach Vedik religion in Saurashtra to check the influence of Buddhism. Nagar Brahmins succeeded in to prevent the influence of Buddhism.

According to historians,ancestor of Bappa Rawal & Udaipur/Mewar rulers was Guhadatt who was Nagar Brahmin from Anandnagar(Vadnagar).His descendants are Guhila,Gahlot,Sisodia,Guhil & Gohil Rajputs.For 10 generations,Guhadatt's descendants observed Brahmin Karma then Kshatriy Karma

Valabhi was Gujarat capital in Maitrak rule during 6th to 8th century. Many Nagar families shifted from Vadnagar to Valabhi for livelihood. In 788 Valabhi was destroyed by Arab invaders & Maitrak rule ended. So some Vadnagara Nagar families shifted to Vala Rajput state of Talaja.

15th century great Gujarati worshipper poet Narsinh Mehta was a Vadnagara Nagar.His ancestors came to Valabhi in Saurashtra from Vadnagar during Maitrak rule & then shifted to Talaja after fall of Valabhi empire. From Talaja, Narsinh Mehta's family shifted to Junagadh.

In 1025 AD Sorath Chudasama ruler Ra'Navghan's Nagar chief minister Shridhar invited Nagars of Gujarat to settle in Sorath.Many Nagar came Sorath. In 1260 a large group of Nagars settled in Junagadh on an invitation of Nagar chief minister Mahidhar of Sorath ruler Ra'Mandlik 1st.

In 11th century Nagar descendant Bappa Rawal's descendants Sisodia Rajputs founded Avasgarh state in Rajasthan. Many Nagars lived there. Some of Avasgarh Nagar came to Saurashtra. They are Avashia surname Nagars. Many Nagar live in Pratapgarh which was once under Chittorgarh.

Bappa Rawal was of Guhila Rajput of Nagda-Ahar of Rajasthan. Ancestor of all Guhila dynasties rulers was Guhadatt Nagar Brahmin from Anandnagar (now Vadnagar) of Gujarat. Reference is history of Udaipur state.

15th century Well known book ' Eklinga Mahatmya was written by Kanha Vyas who was courtier of great ruler of Mewar Guhila dynasty ruler Maharana Kumbha (reign 1433-1468).In this book it is mentioned that founder of Guhila dynasty was Guhadatta, a Nagar Brahmin from Anandnagar.

Great historians of India Dr. D. R. Bhandarkar & Dr. R. C. Majumdar wrote that ancestor & founder of Guhila dynasty rulers of Mewar was Gurudatta, a Nagar Brahmin from Anandnagar (now Vadnagar).

As per opinions of four renowned historians Dr. D. R. Bhandarkar, Dr. R. C. Majumdar, Dr. Dasharath Sharma, Dr. G. N. Sharma, founder of Guhila dynasty of Mewar was Guhadatta Nagar Brahmin from Anandnagar while historian Dr. G.H.Ojha wrote that Guhila are Suryavanshi Kshatriya.

Vipra (विप्र) refers to a wise and virtuous Brahmin, as defined in the Śivapurāṇa 1.13, “A Brahmin endowed with strict adherence to good conduct is perfectly wise. A Brahmin learned in Vedas and of good conduct (sadācāra) is called a Vipra."

In ancient copper donation plates & rock inscriptions Gotra, Pravar & Sharvan of Nagar Brahmins of Anandnagar (Vadnagar) are mentioned. Out of these Gotras,16 Gotras still exist other Gotras are extinct.

In ancient copper donation plates & rock inscriptions of Hindu kings of Maitrak, Traikutak, Kalchuri, Gurjjar-Pratihar, Chaulukya & Rashtrakut dynasties (500-975 AD),40 Gotras of Nagar Brahmins of Anandnagar (Vadnagar) are mentioned.

Surnames & its Gotra of Nagar: Zala,Pancholi (Kaushik),Kikani,Travadi,Desai (Kaundinya),Jani,Dave,Divetia,Vachhada,Pathak,Bhagat,Vaid,Vaishnav,Hazrat,Raval (Kashyap),Ghoda,Dixit,Dhruv,Patani,Pandya,Buch,Rana,Vora,Purohit (Kapishtal),Kachchhi,Pancholi (Gargey), 1/2

Acharya,Shukal (Gopalas),Jani,Zala,Dave,Vachhada,Raval,Vyas (Gautam),Joshipura (Bhardwaj),Bhatt (Bhargav),Dhebar,Raval (Vtsa),Antani,Charm,Mankodi (Shandilya),Travadi,Rindani,Vora (Sankrutas),Chhaya,Durkal,Dave,Dixit,Dholakia,Pandya,Maru,Vachharajani,Vora,Savani (Auxanas)..2/2.

In ancient copper donations plates, the following Sharman of Nagar Brahmins are mentioned - Bhav, Bhut/Bhuti, Das, Datt, Gupt/Gop, Ghosh, Mitra, Sharma, Trata, Dev, Nand, Verma & Bhrat.

Before 12th century, the Nagar community divided into 6 groups - Vadnagara, Visnagara, Sathodara, Krishnora, Chitroda & Prashnora. In 1050 AD Visaldev Chauhan won north Gujarat & founded Visnagar. He invited Nagar to settle in Visnagar.They are known as Visnagara Nagar.

Most of Nagar settled in Saurashtra in ancient time & middle age were Vadnagara Nagar. Other were Prashnora, Visnagara & Sathodara.Krishnora & Chitroda not settled in Saurashtra.

Prashnora Nagar were well-versed in Jyotish,Dharma Shastra,literature,music & Ayurved.vadnagara Nagar divided into two sub-castes - Nagar Brahmin & Nagar Gruhastha.Nagar Brahmin accepted only Nagar Gruhastha as their Yajman.They performed all religious rituals of Nagar Gruhastha.

Most of Nagar of Gujarat were settled in towns & cities.They are service class people.Due to their education & administrative skill,they served in governments in ancient,middle & modern ages. Many Nagar were Persian scholar & writer in Muslim rule.They are all time good teachers.

Famous Nagar of Gujarat in history (list is prepared by recollecting my memory, so it is not exhaustive):Diwan/Chief Minister of princely states - Shridhar,Mahidhar,Madhav (chief minister of Gujarat last Hindu king Karndev Vaghela),Malek Gopi (Surat Governor & only Hindu Amir)..1

Amarji Diwan,Raghunathji Diwan,Ranchhodji Diwan,Anantji Vasavada,Gokulji Zala,Diwan Bahadur Manibhai Jashbhai,Gaurishankar Oza,Sir Prabhashankar Pattani,Sir Chunilal Mehta; Poet & writers - Worshipper poet Narsinh Mehta,Kavi Narmad,Bholanath Divetia,Narsinhrao Divetia...2

Mahipatram Nilkanth,Ramanlal Nilkanth,Vidyagauri Nilkanth (one of first 2 women graduate of Gujarat), Nandshankar Mehta (author of first Gujarati novel 'Karan Ghelo'),Govardhanram Tripathi,Anandshankar Dhruv; Film director & producer Nanabhai Bhatt (father of Mahesh Bhatt); ...3

Cricketer Vinu Mankad; Historian Shambhuprasad Desai; Politicians - U.N.Dhebar (Congress president), Hansaben Mehta, Pushpaben Mehta, Jaysukhlal Hathi; Industrialist - Ranchhodlal Chhotalal (founder of 1st textile mill) & Sir Chinubhai Baronet....4

Nagars & Brahmims were top police officers in princely states of Gujarat & government of Bombay Presidency before independence. Harbhai Desai (Nagar) who faught with Kadu Makrani & Chhelbhai Dave (Saurashtra No Sinh) were brave police officers. PTS Junagadh named Chhelbhai Dave.

In 15th century Rao Khengarji founded Kutch Jadeja state. His first Diwan was Vadnagara Nagar Vamanrai Gopalji Vora. His history thread -

https://twitter.com/GujaratHistory/status/1338835464661299202?s=19

In the 16th-century Malik Gopi of Surat was only Hindu Amir of Gujarat Sultnat. He was big trader & governor of Bharuch, Rander & Surat during 1509-1514 AD.He served Gujarat Sultan Mahmud Begada & Sultan Muzaffar 2nd.He was given the title of Malik & post of Sultnat Wazir.

In the 16th century, Surat Nazim (governor) Malik Gopi founded Gopipura & built Gopi Talav in Surat. He was Nagar Brahmin of Vadnagar & came to Surat in late 15th century. His ancestors were rich. His father & mother were Kikraj & Randevi. He had two wives Nagal & Gauri.

16th century Surat governor Malik Gopi contributed much to the development of Surat port.16th & 17th century European travellers wrote about him. He had a good relation with the Portuguese governor of Goa. Gopi was the mediator between Gujarat Sultan Muzaffar 2nd & Portuguese.

16th century Surat governor Malik Gopi was a philanthropist. He gave many donations for public works. He built Gopi Talav to provide employment to poor people in famine.

In 1514 an uninvited relative of Gujarat Sultan Muzffar was beaten in dance night party at Malik Gopi home in Surat.Injured person died next day. So Surat governor Malik Gopi was arrested for murder of Gujarat Sultan relative & awarded death sentence.His all properties forfeited.

વૈષ્ણવ જન તો તેને કહિયે જે પીડ પરાયી જાણે રે
પર દુ:ખે ઉપકાર કરે તો યે મન અભિમાન ન આણે રે. ॥ધૃ॥ -Gujarati hymn written by poet Narsinh Mehta Before tweeting on poet Narsinh Mehta we bow & pay homage to Saint like great soul.He is one of greatest personalities of Gujarat history.

15th-century Narsinh Mehta is a pioneer of Gujarati literature. He was a great devotee poet who explained the eternal truth of life in poems & hymns. His literal work is very popular in Gujarat for centuries & providing spiritual guidance to the people.

Valabhi was Gujarat capital in Maitrak rule during 6th to 8th century. Many Nagar families shifted from Vadnagar to Valabhi for livelihood. In 788 Valabhi was destroyed by Arab invaders & Maitrak rule ended. So some Vadnagara Nagar families shifted to Vala Rajput state of Talaja.

In 1025 AD Sorath Chudasama ruler Ra'Navghan Nagar chief minister Shridhar invited Nagars of Gujarat to settle in Sorath. Many Nagar came Sorath. In 1260 a large group of Nagars settled in Junagadh on an invitation of Nagar chief minister Mahidhar of Sorath ruler Ra'Mandlik 1st.

15 century devotee poet Narsinh Mehta born to Vadnagara Nagar Gruhasth Krishna Damodar at Talaja in 1414 AD. Talaja is in Bhavnagar district.Around 1415 Narsinh Mehta father Krishna Damodar & his family shifted from Talaja to Sorath capital Vanthali to serve Sorath ruler Ra'Melig

Around 1416 AD poet Narsinh Mehta's father Krishna Damodar died in a battle near Vanthali fighting under Sorath Chudasama ruler Ra'Melig. After the death of Narsinh's father, his uncle Parvat/Parbat Mehta shifted Narsinh's family from Vanthali to Mangrol.

Poet Narsinh Mehta's uncle Parbat Mehta was a great devotee of Lord Shri Krishna.He used to go Dwarka pilgrimage every year with Tulsi in hand. In old age when Parbat Mehta was unable to go Dwarka ,Ranchhodji idol emerged in Sodhali well near Parbat Mehta home in Mangrol for him.

In mid 15 century Narsinh Mehta uncle shifted family from Mangrol to Junagadh with Ranchhodji idol which is in Junagadh Ranchhodji temple now. It is not true that Narsinh Mehta was illiterate. He was a scholar who studied Ved-Vedang, Upnishad, Darshanshastra, Puran, Kavyashastra.

It is believed that devotee poet Narsinh Mehta worshipped Gopnath Mahadev who took him to Vaikunth & show him Raslila of Lord Shri Krishna. A legend has it that the poet, transfixed by the spectacle of Raslila, burnt his hand with the torch he was holding without pain & injury.

15th century poet Narsinh Mehta's wife was Manekbai.Their son & daughter were Shamaldas & Kunvarbai. Junagadh was Narsinh's maternal town.Narsinh Mehta's son Shamaldas married Kamalalakshmi/Juthibai who was daughter of Madan Mehta of Vadnagar.Shamaldas died soon after marriage.

15th century devotee poet Narsinh Mehta's daughter Kunvarbai married Vatsaraj who was son of Shrirang Mehta of Una.Her son was Bhavaniprasad.Devotee Narsinh Mehta used to go very early in morning to Damodar Kund & temple for bath & Darshan.On way he sang Prabhatiya-morning hymns.

15 century poet Narsinh Mehta was a progressive thinker.He was well in advance of his time.He did not believe in untouchability in that era. Devotee poet Narsinh Mehta lived the life of the Sufi Saint. He used to go to dwellings of downtrodden & untouchables to sing Bhajan-hymns.

There are many folk tales about devotee poet Narsinh Mehta in which God Shri Krishna helped him in his social needs & crisis by miracles. Devotee poet Narsinh Mehta described how God helped him by miracles in his poems 'Hundi', 'Mamerun', 'Putra No Vivah' and 'Harmala'.

In 1456 famous miracle incident of 'Harmala' of poet Narsinh Mehta happened.Swami Ramanandtirth complained to Junagadh ruler Ra'Mandlik 3rd that Narsinh Mehta was fraud & cheating people. So Narsinh was arrested & jailed.He was asked to prove his relation with God Shri Krishna..1

Devotee poet Narsinh Mehta sang Kedaro Raga & God Shri Krishna Himself put His 'Har' (garland) in the neck of Narsinh Mehta in prison cell where he was locked. King Ra'Manandlik 3rd was ashamed & apologized to Narsinh Mehta. He freed Narsinh Mehta from jail...2

15th-century poet Narsinh Mehta created & composed philosophical, devotional & religious poetry on a large scale in form of epics, verses, stanzas. Devotee poet Narsinh Mehta enlightened people & increased their faith in Hinduism when Gujarat was under Muslim rule for 150 years.

As per one belief, poet Narsinh Mehta left Junagadh after his arrest in 1456 AD & went Mangrol. Then he went to Una & lived till his death in 1480 AD. According to another belief devotee poet Narsinh Mehta never left Junagadh and lived in Junagadh until his death around 1480 AD.

15 century devotee poet Narsinh Mehta's only son Shamaldas died at young age.His widow Kamalalakshmi cared Narsinh.She was also a poetess. Narshi Mehta had no descendants but his uncle Parbat Mehta's descendants are Vaishnav, Bakshi & Majmudar surnames Nagar families of Junagadh.

121 years old photo of ancient Damodar Kund & Damodar temple at Junagadh where 15th-century devotee poet Narsinh Mehta used to go very early in the morning for the bath daily. On way, he sang Prabhatiya (morning hymns).

126 years old photo of ancient Damodar Kund & Damodar temple at Junagadh where 15th-century devotee poet Narsinh Mehta used to go very early in the morning for the bath daily. On way, he sang Prabhatiya (morning hymns). Holy Mountain Raivatak (Girnar) is seen in the photo.

અખિલ બ્રહ્માંડમાં એક તું શ્રીહરિ, જુજવે રૂપ અનંત ભાસે; દેહમાં દેવ તું, તેજમાં તત્વ તું, શૂન્યમાં શબ્દ થઇ વેદ વાસે... -Poem by Narsinh Mehta.
I tweeted on my most favourite personality of Gujarat history devotee poet Narsinh Mehta from 5th to 9thth April. Jay Shri Krishna.