SAKRANEYS
The Sakraneys started their business in Australia in 1908 by selling china goods from door to door.
Mr Keshav Sakraney informed me that Mr Watanmal practically lived on the deck of the steam ship. He had carried his own utensils and facility was given to him to cook his own meals.
The business turned into a flourishing firm named Watanmal Bulchand and it spread to Hongkong China and Japan.
Mr. Watanmal Bulchand had only one son called Mr. Lalchand
Mr Lalchand sired 3 sons and 6 daughters.
1) Keshav married Roop Mehboobani (Jewellers from Calcutta)
Their son Anoop married Sabina (daughter of Indu/Janki Sobhraj Kimatrai and G.Vee Lekhraj)
Anoop and Sabina have a son named Ishaan and a daughter called Ria
2) Nari married Sarla Aasoomal and lives in Hongkong
3) Harkishin (Henny) married Maya Mahtani and lives in Singapore
4) Lachmi married Dialdas Daswani
5) Devi married Gagandas Daryanani
6) Vindri married Gopaldas Ramchandani
7) Katy married Gopal Sippy
8) Usha married Daulatram Mehboobani
9) Sheila married Mohan Mehboobani
Mr. Keshav proudly informed me that the company’s strength moves from peak to peak, and that the family remains united in one company to this day. (November 2004)
Nukh: Chhabria.
These Lakhanis are descendents of Mukhi Nagarmal, brother of Mukhi Sagharmal. See Saghrani. They are infact Nagrani and cousins of Mukhi Mangharam Gurdinomal and Mukhi Gobindram Pritamdas.
Lakhanis earlier lived near Mirchandani Ghitti but due to shortage of accomodation they shifted to Hirabad and to Karachi. Prominent amongst them was Dr. Valiram Charatsingh, Dr. Jamiatrai, who in 1947 was the acting Principal of D. J. Sind College at Karachi and Prof. M. B. Lakhani.
Nukh: Chandi Bhanwar.
Around two hundred odd years ago, Bhai Sukhanand, elder of the Lakhwani migrated from Kohistan to Yaam Kot near Tando Adam along with Marii Baruchs. Marii Baluchs owned a large stock of cattle. It is after Bhai Sukhanand’s grandson, Bhai Lakhomal Parsram’s name that these Lakhwanis are named. Bhai Lakhomal was well versed in Farsi and handled the affairs of Marii Baruchs.
At the start of the British rule, the Government allotted land without ownership title to Bhai Lakhomal and others to cultivate so that they (the British) could earn revenue out of it. Bhai Lakhomal received the largest parcel of land.
Bhai Lakhomal’s sons, Diwan Bhavandas and Diwan Kirpaldas after finishing their studies worked on their land and were considered the richest zamindars in the area.
Diwan Bhavandas had two sons, Mr. Tarachand and Rai Sahib Naraindas. Mr. Tarachand had no issue. Rai Sahib Naraindas had children and amongst them was Mr. Jamiatrai.
Diwan Kirpaldas was a zamindar in Bayrani Taluka Shahdadpur. He owned sizeable land. Diwan Kirpaldas had three sons: Rai Sahib Shamdas, Diwan Sirumal. The youngest was Diwan Gangamal. Diwan Sirumal was a member of Sind Assembly on Congress Party ticket.
A Reader, Sachal Lakhwani responds (March 2006)
Dear Shakun
Thanks for your response to my query and let me congratulate you on the fine job
you have done for Sindhis…it’s great fun and very informative going through
your site.
Diwan Siroomal was elected member of Sind assembly in 1946,and remained a member
till 1956 when he was elected to the Parliament of Pakistan,,he died a sitting
member in april 1958. Diwan Siroomal had 3 sons, late Diwan Lalchand (who was
also a member of the Sind assembly till 1958) ,Diwan Gulabrai and Diwan
Kishinchand. I am the son of Kishinchand ,my full name is Diwan Sachanand
I am 38 yrs of age today ,and we still do agriculture in Berani, Sind . we own
about 3000 (three thousand) acres in our family of agricultural land there…..
I was elected member of the local tehsil council in our district in 2001 but
did’nt recontest the elections in 2005. if you need any more information on ‘Lakhwani’
or other people still in karachi I will be happy to provide it….with best
regards
Sachal Lakhwani
Nukh: Bajaj.
Lakhiani’s are cousins of Honorable Seth Harchandrai Vishindas Bharvani of Karachi.
Lakhiani’s elder, Seth Sanwal Bajaj (Sanwaldas) had four sons: M/s. Bharomal, Lakhimal, Tolomal, and Chhatomal. Descendents of Seth Lakhimal’s roots call themselves Lakhiani. See Bharvani.
Bharvani’s ancestors, during the year 711 Arab invasion, were Buddhist. Despite being Ahinsawadi (peace lovers), they fought for Raja Dhahar against the Arabs. However, the battle was lost and they, along with all the other Hindus left Sind. After time immemorial they returned to Khudabad during the Kalhora reign and called themselves Sanwalani.
Seth Sanwaldas was Khudabad’s famous Shroff (Banker) and a trader. His offices or shops were located at Chhapri (Sakhar) Kotri, Manjhand, Ulharpur, Thhata and Keti Bunder. After Khudabad exodus he went to Ulharpur and moved again to Manjho as Ulhapur was inundated by the river Sindhu.
Seth Chhatomal: a trader migrated to Keti Bunder and set up his business there. As on 1946, the author Diwan Bherumal Advani writes that there was no information available of Seth Chhatomal’s family.
Seth Bharomal: as of 1946, had no issues. However, as Seth Bharomal and Seth Tolomal lived together, their family members called themselves ‘Bharvani’.
Seth Lakhomal had two sons: M/s. Sajandas and Thawardas. Both were very prosperous businessmen.
Seth Sajandas had a son named Seth Dayaram.
Seth Thawardas had seven sons: M/s. Nibhanomal, Narumal, Nandiram, Navalrai, Tilokchand, Mayaram and Lalchand.
Seth Tilokchand’s family.
Seth Tilokchand was born at Village Manjho Taluka Kotri. He had three sons: M/s. Satramdas, Lilaram and Gurdas.
Seth Satramdas had one son named Mr. Gyan who expired at an early age.
Seth Gurdas, son of Mr. Tilokchand, was known as Bawa Gurdas and in 1947 he was the ‘Ghadisar’ (priest in charge) of the famous Bawa Gobindram’s Tikano at Manjhand.
Seth Lilaram Tilokchand was born in the year 1933 at Manjho. Seth Satramdas, his brother, had squandered away all his father’s wealth and as a result lived on a very tight budget. Seth Lilaram worked as a broker and procured cotton for Rallis Bros. and prospered.
Seth Lilaram had three sons: M/s. Mulchand, Gawarmal and Mangharam. After Seth Mulchand grew up he took over his father’s brokerage business.
Seth Lilaram after retiring from the brokerage activity established for his two sons: M/s. Mangharam and Gawarmal, commission agency business in Karachi’s Grain and Cotton market under the name of M/s. Seth Mangharam Gawarmal.
In 1946-1947, Seth Lilaram was Mukhi of Karachi Sindhi Panchayat. He had the privilege to lay the foundation stone of the Karachi Cotton Exchange Building. In 1947, due to health reasons, he handed over the charge of Mukhism to his son Gawarmal who was also member of the managing committee of the Indian Merchants Association. In the year 1943-1944, he was the Vice-President of the Association. His brother Mangharam was a science graduate.
Seth Lakhomal’s great great grandson (Tar Poto), Seth Khimandas Jagoomal was born at Manjho. Having no recourses and in absence of financial backing, he went in for service. Thereafter he started commission agency business buying and selling wood and charcoal. At Badhah, he installed rice-shredding mill that was managed by his sons.
Seth Khimandas Jagoomal had six sons: M/s. Kimatrai, Assandas, Jamnadas, Lilaram, Devkishin and Narain.
In 1942, Mr. Devkishin was arrested for making bombs (Panjrapur Bomb Case) and sentenced to five years-rigorous Imprisonment. He appealed to Federal Court and was acquitted after having spent two and a half years in jail.
Seth Khimandas’s cousin Seth Hiranand had in the year 1947, a wood and charcoal depot in Karachi’s Sader Bazaar.
Matai came to Sind from Multan and settled in Tharoo Shah.
A mile and half away from Tharoo Shah is the Dargah of Peer Sakhi Dadwai. At its annual Urs (anniversary) these Matais provided drinking water to the pilgrims and devotees. The water was stored in matka (pot) made of clay, hence the name Matai.
In the year 1947, there were around 40 household of Matais in Tharoo Shah. Many amongst them were zamindars, civil servants, and some were Doctors.
Nukh: Wasuja.
These wealthy Motiani zamindars and traders lived at old Mirpur and later shifted to Mirpur Khas where they owned vast land and farms. They were very influential and had cotton mills both at Mirpur Khas and at Pathori. They had offices (kothi) at Mirpur Khas, Karachi and Bombay.
Prominent amongst them was Seth Lalchand Khanchand. Seth Khanchand was son of Seth Pahlomal Motiram.
Seth Lalchand was President of Mirpur Khas Municipality and member of the District Local Board.
Rai Sahib Jhamandas was Vice President of Mirpur Khas Municipality and also member of the District Local Board and other associations.
Seth Parumal and Seth Roopchand in the year 1947 were members of Mirpur Khas Municipality.
In the year 1947, Seth Devraj was the Director of Karachi Cotton Association and member of the Indian Merchants Association’s managing committee.
Nukh: Motan Pota.
Motwanis were found at Larkana, Sakhar, Mehar, Tilti, and other places.
Author Divan Bherumal M. Advani has stated in his publication that Motwanis of Larkana are Diwans and have no relationship with the other Motwanis who lived at Sakhar, Mehar, and Tilti.
During the year 1947, there were around eight to ten households of Motwanis in Larkana. Prominent amongst them was Diwan Chandumal son of Munshi Lahromal Mangaldas. Diwan Chandumal was born in the year 1845 and was a prominent and successful Advocate.
Diwan Chandumal was a god-fearing man and he donated much to charity. He was associated with Sain Wilayatrai and Sain Jivatsingh (See Manshiani-2) that led to his denouncing his legal practice and seeking refuge as a caretaker at the Darbar of Sain Walayatrai & Sain Jiwatsingh in Qanbar. In the company of pious persons, Diwan Chandumal got the enlightenment. He was respected and considered as Satguru by the Diwans of Kherpur.
Diwan Chandumal expired at the age of 43 or 44 in the year 1889-1890.
Diwan Chandumal had five sons and two daughters. The eldest son was Diwan Tahilram.
The second son Diwan Bhojraj was the head clerk with the Executive Engineer. In company of his father he visited the Darbar regularly and sang Bhajans. He had composed and written around seventy Shabads (religious compositions).
Diwan Bhojraj’s son Mr. Ram B. Motwani, in the year 1947 was manager of Zamindari Bank at Larkana. He constructed and paid for Larkana Shewa Mandli’s ‘Free Reading Room’.
Mr. Ram B. Motwani sponsored free medical clinics and facilities for the benefit of the community.
Mr. Ram B. Motwani’s brother Mr. Balram was in the year 1947, assistant editor of ‘The Hindu” newspaper published from Karachi and honorary secretary of the Sind Editors Conference.
The third brother Mr. Shewak had passed his B.A. He along with others founded ‘Balkan Ji Bari’ in Sind and published a magazine for children called ‘Gulistan’.
Diwan Chandumal’s third son was Diwan Gianchand. He was a businessman and a man of principles. In the year 1908-1909, when there was no sign of electricity in Sind, Diwan Gianchand had the foresight and learnt the principles and concepts of films, radio, talkies (theatre) and electricity. He was the first in Sind to deal in radios and electrical goods.
Diwan Gianchand spent five lac rupees to construct a garden on the banks of ‘Ghar Wah’. The citizens dedicated the garden to him and named it ‘Gian Baug. Maintenance of the garden was also done by Diwan Gianchand and he spent a sum of rupees one thousand towards the salary of gardeners.
In the year 1947, Diwan Gianchand had offices at Bombay, Calcutta, Lucknow, Delhi and Lahore that were managed by his two sons Mr. Visharam and Mr. Nanikram. Their firm was known as “Motwane Radio Manufacturing Co.” popularly known as “Chicago Radio”, was famous throughout India.
Also in the year 1947, Mr. Ramkishin, the fourth son of Diwan Chandumal was at Karachi and dealt in the same commodities as Diwan Gianchand. He owned properties near Ram Baug at Ghadi Khato.
MOTWANI: – (2). Diwan Motumal.
Nukh: Popat.
Lohanas have the same Nukh. (See Lohana).
These Motwanis lived in Taluka Saywan at Tilty and Bhotran. Their forefather was Diwan Motumal. From his roots came Diwan Fatehchand who lived at Bhotran.
Diwan Fatehchand’s wife was from Tilty and as a result he shifted to Tilty. In the year 1947, only his descendents were living at Tilty.
From Diwan Fatehchand’s roots: Diwan Sahibrai Tirthdas (retired head accountant), Mr. Ram Bhavandas (founder of Balkan Ji Bari and editor of Gulistan) and others.
From the Motwanis of Bhotran came Diwan Chimandas, his son Mr. Totaram Advocate, Diwan Tikamdas Judge, and others.
MOTWANI: – (3).
These Motwanis lived at Arazi Taluka Saywan and had no relationship with the Motwanis mentioned above. They are Vanhans. (See Vanhan).
Prominent amongst them was Dr. Raghumal Motwani, Mr. Khemchand Advocate and others.
MOTWANI: – (4). Mr. Motumal.
Nukh: Manchanda.
Nukh cousins of these Motwanis are Ajwanis of Kherpur, Bhavnanis, Jagtianis and Gidwanis of Hyderabad. Except for the common Nukh, these Motwanis have no relationship with above-mentioned Ajwanis, Bhavnanis, Jagtianis and Gidwanis.
The forefather of these Motwanis, came to Larkana from Punjab and settled at Village Dost Ali, Talika Qanber.
Just before the British came to Sind, their forefather Mr. Motumal went on a business trip to Sakhar and stayed on. He lived at Garibabad Quarter.
Prominent amongst the above Motwanis: Mr. Arjandas Advocate, Mr. Basantrai also an Advocate and President of Sakhar Municipality and cousins of Mukhi Jhamandas.
Nukh: Makhija.
Murjanis are Arorvanshi. Isranis from Larkana, Murjanis from Kherpur State, Mirchandanis of Hyderabad all have same Nukh.
Capital of the Rai and Brahmin rulers was Alor (Aror) situated two and a half miles from Rohiri. In 1946 it was a small village. During the Arab invasion (711 AD) most of the people fled to escape the onslaught and later when an earthquake rocked Alor, the remaining people left.
Murjanis returned to Sind from Multan at different times and settled at different places viz. Laar and Navsheri Firoz.
Later, with one of the Israni brothers, Murjanis went to Bhargareen, near Kherpur (Mirpur Khas) and served Mir Sahrab Khan.
While in Mir Sahrab Khan’s employment, Murjani and Israni were given an assignment to improve the living conditions at Navsheri Firoz.
After completing the task, Murjani moved to village Bhargareen to be closer to their masters who lived at Kherpur.
MOORJANI
A Reader, Naresh Moorjani writes (Dec 2004):
Dear Shakun.
I am Moorjani with a double ’00’.
The ‘Murjani’ that you have is with a ‘U’.
Since I am very interested to find out about my roots I have done
some enquiries in the past and have discovered that the MURJANIS with the ‘U’ are another group and have traced their roots to Africa, and the Moorjanis with double ‘OO’ have nothing to do with them.
I would appreciate if you paste my note on the website as I would welcome any reply leading to my roots.
I would like to comment that my grand dad always told me that we are
bhaibands from Hyderabad Sind We were very popularly known as Moorjani davaun (medicine) wara as they had a medical store in Shahi bazaar and also one of my uncles had ghuttas something like liquor bars.
Our nukh is daura (not sure if I have spelt it correctly)
I am giving you this information so that it may be easier for people who have more information on my ancestry to get in touch.
Shalll keep checking your site to get myself updated.
Yours highly obliged
Naresh K. Moorjani
moorjaninaresh@hotmail.com
MAHROTARI: –
Nukh: Mahrotari.
There was only one Mahrotari family in Sind. Their forefather was Diwan Tulsidas.
The Kalhoras gifted Diwan Tulsidas’ son Diwan Bansiram with sizeable land near Khudabad.
Diwan Bansiram’s son was Diwan Tiloomal who sired Diwan Chhatomal. Diwan Chhatomal was a minister with the Mirs.
Diwan Lokmandas, son of Diwan Chhatomal, sired Diwan Hiranand (expired in 1838), who sired Diwan Chandiram (1810-1898). They were also Ministers of the Mirs at Hyderabad.
According to the Author Diwan Bherumal M. Advani, Mahrotari had in their possession manuscripts written by the Mirs that had described them (Mahrotari) as ‘Pabi Saltanat’, ‘Rakan Daulat’, ‘Vazir Aili’, and also as ‘Diwans’.
Diwan Chandiram, despite having inherited landed property from his father, continued to receive more jagirs (gifts, awards) from the Mir.
Diwan Chandiram was loyal to the Mirs till the end. When the British took over Sind and overthrew the Mirs, Diwan Chandiram could not bear it. He left Hyderabad and spent the rest of his days at Tilty.
Rai Bahadur Wadhumal (1838-1909), son of Diwan Chandiram, was Deputy Collector.
Nukh: Karya.
Nanwanis are Hyderabadi Bhaibunds. Prominent amongst them was Bhai Dialdas Mulchand’s family. Sajansinghani are their Nukh cousins. See Karya.
Bhai Mulchand Hemandas was grandfather of Bhai Partab Dialdas (founder of Gandhidham Kandla). Bhai Mulchand Hemandas’ grand father was Bhai Nanumal. Nanwani surname is named after him.
As per the records (Shijras) maintained by the Pindas (Brahmins) of Hardwar, Bhai Nanumal’s roots are connected with Sajansinghanis.
Bhai Partab Dialdas’s grandfather Bhai Mulchand was a contractor and undertook Govt. tenders and made substantial profit out of it.
In the year 1862, while construction work to make Khianati Tando Bazaar Street was in progress, the horse Bhai Mulchand was riding on tripped resulting in Bhai Mulchand falling to the ground. The fall killed him on the spot. He was only 32 years old.
Bhai Mulchand left behind three sons and a daughter. The sons were M/s. Shewakram, Dialdas and Ratanchand. Bhai Mulchand’s children were all minor. Their Mother, i.e. Bhai Partab’s grandmother brought them up.
According to the Author Diwan Bherumal M. Advani, Bhai Dialdas used to say that his mother did her marketing at night and bought leftovers or unsold vegetables at a cheap price. However, that did not deter her from her commitment to donate and give to charity. Bhai Dialdas’ mother loved the birds and fed them every day. If she found an injured or sick bird, she would nurse the bird back to health.
Bhai Dialdas, father of Bhai Partab, started working from the young age of twelve or thirteen to keep the family going. Later he opened his own shop selling Pagrees (headgear). At the age of eighteen he joined Sindwork and soon had his own flourishing business overseas.
Bhai Dialdas could only read and write Sindhi in Hindi script (Hatai-Wanka). From his mothers he learnt to help the needy and destitute. He also loved the birds and opened a bird hospital.
Bhai Dialdas regularly visited the Mental & Civil Hospitals and looked after its inmates. He took charge of unclaimed dead bodies and arranged for their cremation and preformed their last rites.
Bhai Dialdas was not a name seeker. He donated under an anonymous name. He opened an ashram at Fulayli for the poor and an old people’s home. After Bhai Dialdas’ demise, his son Bhai Naraindas constructed ‘Bhai Dialdas Park’ and built ‘Bhai Dialdas Club’.
Bhai Dialdas was very close to Swami Sachanand and Sant Bhai Mulchand Kirpalani (Aaj Waro) whom he considered as his Guru.
Bhai Dialdas expired in the year 1921 and left behind four sons: M/s. Naraindas, Partab, Harkishindas and Balram.
Bhai Naraindas was born in the year 1899. He, like his father, donated to charity. Bhai Naraindas expired in the year 1928.
Bhai Partab Dialdas was born on April 14th 1908. He was 44 years old at the time of partition and had keen interest in the educational, religious and political fields.
Bhai Partab Dialdas was on the board of Hyderabad College.
Sind University Bill was introduced but it had some anti Hindu features in it. Bhai Partab opposed the Bill. Proposal to build Sind Hindu University was sponsored by him but was abandoned due to the Partition of India.
Just before the partition in 1947, Bhai Partab Dialdas proposed construction of New Sind in Kutch (Gandhidham) and took up the matter with Acharya Kirpalani.
Bhai Partab Dialdas had branches at Karachi, Bombay, Port Said, Cairo, Ismalia (Egypt), Gibraltar, Spanish and French Morocco, Canary Islands, Dutch West Indies, New York, London, Japan and Hong Kong. In Hyderabad, kothi (shop) of Bhai Dialdas Mulchand was renowned.
Bhai Dialdas’ elder brother Bhai Shewakram had three sons named: M/s. Daulatram, Ramchand and Bhagwandas.
The younger brother Bhai Rattanchand also had three sons named: M/s. Bulchand, Kishinchand and Gobindram.
Nassirpuri means hailing from Nassirpur. The town was named after Nassir, a fisher woman. In ancient times, River Sindhu flowed near Nassirpur that was then a trading center.
Prior to Karachi’s existence, some Hindus lived at Kharak Bunder near Karachi, Sonmani and Las Bella. They were traders. After Karachi came into existence Bhojwanis and other Sethiyas (wealthy traders) migrated to Karachi.
Some of these Sethiyas were from Nassirpur and called themselves Nassirpuri. But they were all born in Karachi. The Bhaharnani’s are their cousins. See Bhaharnani.
The Nassirpuri were the oldest traders in Sind. Even Nassirpur is ancient. Shree Amar Uderolal Sahib was born here in the year 910 AD.
CHHAPROO: –
Chhaproo means Hill/Mountain. Beginning from Karachi to Las Bela and from Maleer to Thane Bula Khan, the range is called Kohistan and its inhabitants called ‘Chhaproo. The Chhaproo Hindus in Karachi had migrated from Kohistan.
There were five families in Chhaproos who migrated from Kohistan. The first named Chhaproos came to Karachi from the hills nearest to Karachi. The next came from Thanai who earlier had migrated from Thane Bula Khan. The third were Chakai who came to Karachi by mistake. The fourth were Gharai who came from village Ghari Taluka Mirpur Sakri.
In Gharai there were two families and each had their own Mukhi. Despite the differences, they are all called Chhaproo and had different Surnames viz. Ramwani (Master Motiram and others).
Amongst the Chhaproos who migrated from the hills nearby to Karachi, were the Malanis who introduced a new kind of industry. Their forefather was Bhai ‘Mal’. From his roots came Bhai Deomal who produced Salt from saltpans at Mavachh maidan some three mile away from Karachi. Bhai Deomal loaded the salt on donkeys and carried it to Karachi to be sold at 8 annas (50 paise) a bag.
Bhai Deomal’s sons: M/s. Tanumal, Hemumal, Ladhomal and others also followed suit and manufactured salt.
In 1878, Bhai Deomal and his sons established Marepur Salt Mines. The government awarded them land on which saltpans were built. At the time of partition Bhai Deomal still owned the mines.
Bhai Hemumal’s son Mr. Tarachand expired prior to 1947. His other son Mr. Verhomal was superintendent of Sakhar Technical Institute.
Nukh: Pathan.
Some Pakhat Aryans left India and migrated to Afghanistan. The Pakhtoons (Pathans) in Afghanistan are their descendants. Most Pakhtoons today in Afghanistan are Muslims and are off springs of Wadhwanis or Pakhat Aryans (Hindu Pathans). The ruler of Afghanistan was a Pathan who had given Pakhat Aryans refuge that led to their adopting ‘Pathan’ as their Nukh.
Just as Shahanis are named after Governor Shah Bihari, the Wadhwanis adopted Pathan as their Nukh named after the rulers of Afghanistan. It is a known fact that trade between Sind, Punjab, Afghanistan and Baluchistan has been going on from time immemorial.
From the days of Kalhoras, Wadhwanis lived in Multan and Punjab prior to their migrating to Sind. In Sind they served the Kalhoras at Khudabad and held high positions such as Diwans etc. Later when the Mirs took over the regime and shifted to Hyderabad, the Wadhwanis followed them.
In the year 1793, the Mirs decided to separate amongst themselves. Mir Sahrab Khan got Kherpur in his share. The Ajwanis, Wadhwanis, and others chose to serve Mir Sahrab Khan and moved to Kherpur. They were then referred to as Kherpuri Diwans. Their cousins, who stayed behind at Hyderabad, were called Hyderabadi Diwans.
Despite the separation, Kherpur Wadhwanis (Mr. Rupchand Advocate and others) visited Hyderabad regularly and participated with their Hyderabadi cousins in all the celebrations. However as the time went by, fondness and closeness wore off.
From the Hyderabad Wadhwanis, Diwan Jiwatran Bulchand Deputy Collector, Master Hemandas and others were prominent. Diwan Mulchand and Diwan Amalrai went to Karachi and were referred to as Karachiwara.
From the roots of Diwan Mulchand came Mr. Lilaram Premchand, retired headmaster, Mr. Dharamdas Jethnand, Mr. Gangaram Kimatrai, Dr. Kishinchand Vazirsingh and others.
Diwan Amalrai’s sons were M/s. Khanchand, Nandiram, Rewachand and Motumal. From their roots came Mr. Tejumal son of Diwan Mangharam Khanchand, Mr. Parsram son of Diwan Gobindram Nandiram and others. Mr. Karamchand Harumal had expired prior to 1947.
Amidst Kherpur Wadhwanis, Diwan Bahardinmal was the first one to leave Hyderabad and migrate to Kherpur. His son Diwan Ramchand of Shikarpur was Head Munshi. Diwan Ramchand’s son Diwan Rupchand Advocate in the year 1947 was seventy-four years old. He had four sons: Diwan Harjandas BA, retired Session Judge Kherpur, Dr. Hemandas, Diwan Parsram Advocate Jacobabad, and Diwan Kishinchand Asst. Public Prosecutor.
Dr. Hemandas Rupchand was born on Jan. 12 1890. He was a bright student right from young age. He passed his M.B.B.S. from Grant Medical College Bombay and specialized in E.N.T. He practiced at Jacobabad and Karachi. Dr. Hemandas was for many years honorary secretary of the Indian Red Cross Society.
In the year 1932, Dr. Hemandas along with his family left for Europe to work in Paris with the Paris Red Cross Society League. In 1934, he was awarded title of ‘Kaiser E Hind’ by the Government of India.
In 1936, Sind separated from the Bombay Presidency. The following year Dr. Hemandas was elected as a member of Sind Legislative Assembly and made Minister of Public Works and Public Health Dept. In the year 1937, he was appointed as member of the advisory board of The North Western Railways.
Dr. Hemandas was the first President of The Sind Nursing Council. From 1942 to 1945 he was again Minister of Health, Industries and Civil Defense. From the year 1939 to 1947, Dr. Hemandas was member of The Indian Medical Council. He was designated “Fellow” of Sind University and “Member” of the Syndicate.
As a Minister, Dr. Hemandas introduced many reforms in the Health, Medical and Industries Departments. One of the most important achievements of his was the formation of the ‘Dow Medical College’ at Karachi.
Anti Dowry Act was supported by Dr. Hemandas and he was responsible for the formation of Anti Dowry Association of which he was the President. He also presided over Sind Minorities Association that he had founded.
WADHWANI: – (2). SETH WADHUMAL.
Nukh: Popat.
Popat is also the Nukh of Lohanas. Wadhwanis lived at Bhareen while their Nukh cousins Motwanis lived at Bhotran and Tilty.
The forefather of Wadhwanis was Seth Wadhumal who had two sons: M/s. Shamdas and Assandas. Some of these Wadhwanis earlier used to call themselves Shamdasani.
A note from Mr. Moti Gurbaxani (Dec 2004)
Gurbaxanis (of which I am one) were originally Wadhwanis.
One of their sons was Gurbachsh Singh.
I was informed by my father that since after seven generations one was allowed to change ones surname so Mr.Gurbachsh Singh, my father’s great great grand father changed the surname to Gurbaxani (more correctly/aptly written is Gurbachshani).
My father had three other brothers, the oldest one was Dr.Hotchand Mulchand Gurbaxani ,he was the first Ph.D. from Sindh province, he got his Ph.D. from London Univ. in 1929 and he was the first Sindhi Principal of D.J.Sind College,he also translated “Shah Jo Rasalo”.
Dr. Hotchand lived and died in Karachi, Sindh. He died while still the principal of D.J.Sindh College.
My father Mr.Hassomal Mulchand Gurbaxani, B.Sc., B.A. LL.B.
practiced law in Karachi, Sindh .Retired in 1941 and came to Bombay and worked as Managing Dir.,/Legal Advisor to Insurance Company till the Independence of India in 1947.
At about the age of 68 he went back to practice Law in Bombay High Court for a few years. I brought him to U.S.A. where I was with my family in 1972.
My father passed away in 1980, he was around 95 years old.
3.My father’s brother Mr.Dhanrajmal Mulchand Gurbaxani , M.A. (Mathematics) Govt. Auditor in Hyderabad , Sindh .
He passed away in Bombay.
4.My father’s brother Dr.Khanchand Mulchand Gurbaxani, M.B.B.S. (Dermatologist) , practiced in Karachi, Sindh till his death.
Even as I write to you we have four Ph.Ds. in Gurbaxani family of the above mentioned four brothers.
All the best to you & your husband
Moti Gurbaxani
‘The Source of Sindhi Surnames’ is a translation into English, by Mr. Narain Sobhraj Kimatrai from the original in Sindhi by Mr. Diwan Bherumal Mahirchand Advani
Shakun Kimatrai 