Maheshwari - Meaning, People, Religion, Samaj, Gotra, Caste, Kuldevi & History

Who are Maheshwari

Maheshwari is a Hindu Community of India, originally from what is now the state of Rajasthan. The Maheshwaris claim a Rajput Ancestry.
K. K. Birla, an industrialist whose family has its origins in the maheshwari caste, recounted a traditional story of origin for the community. this states that 72 groups from the kshatriya varna in what is now rajasthan decided in the 8th century to abandon their traditional role in favour of being members of the Vaishya varna. Inspired to do this by their devotion to Shiva, another name for whom is Mahesh, they adopted the name 'Maheshwari' and thus established the 72 distinct family lines that exist within the small, tight-knit Maheshwari community to this day.
There is a variant myth of origin, recorded by Sivkaran Ramratan Darak in 1923 and subsequently referred to by modern scholars such as Lawrence Babb. In this version, a prince was supported by 72 Rajputs in disrupting a sacrifice being made by some sages, who retaliated by cursing them such that they were turned to stone. It was Shiva who freed them from the curse, restoring them to life and thus inspiring their devotion. maheshwari population is estimated to be around 1.5 million and 90% maheshwari living in India.

Maheshwari Clans (Gotras)

It is these 72 Kshatriyas who are supposed to be the original ancestors of the 72 gotras of the Maheshwaris. Later, three more gotras were added and now there are 989 sub-gotras and nakhas. Marriage in the same gotra is strictly forbidden.

Famous People of the Maheshwari Community

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Ques 1. Who is known as Maheshwari?
Ans.: Maheshwari is a Hindu Community of India, originally from what is now the state of Rajasthan. The Maheshwaris claim a Rajput Ancestry. Inspired to do this by their devotion to Shiva, another name for whom is Mahesh, they adopted the name 'Maheshwari'.

Ques 2. What does the surname Maheshwari mean?
Ans.: People from Maheshwari community. which is part of Hinduism.

Ques 3.: Is Maheshwari high caste?
Ans.: Maheshwari are considered as upper caste and not included in the lower caste according to indian caste reservation. which is one of kshatriya varna caste.

Ques 4. In which state Maheshwari population is more?
Ans.: The Maheshwari population are found in Rajasthan (India).

Ques 5. What is the population of Maheshwari?
Ans.: Most of Maheshwari community live in Western India. total population of Maheshwari is 1.5 Million approximately.

Ques 6. What is the meaning of Maheshwari?
Ans.: The meaning of Maheshwari is 'Followers of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati'. Maheshwari belongs to hindu religion.

Ques 7. Who are famous Maheshwari?
Ans.: List of Famous Personalities of Maheshwari community.
Shantanu Maheshwari - Actor, Dancer, Choreographer
Kanika Maheshwari - Actress
Panchanan Maheshwari - FRS Awardee
Pramod Maheshwari - Founder of Career Point Ltd., Kota
Sandeep Maheshwari - Motivational Speaker
Ruchi Maheshwari - Entrepreneur.

Ques 8. Are Agarwal and Maheshwari same?
Ans.: Agarwal and Maheshwari both are different community but both are belong to kshatriya varna (Bussiness community) and marwari community.