Bhavnagar Dasha Shrimali Moti Gnatie Pasar Karelo Sthanik Dharo - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Bhavnagar Dasha Shrimali Moti Gnati Pasar Karelo Sthanik Dharo" in English:

Book Title: Bhavnagar Dasha Shrimali Moti Gnati Pasar Karelo Sthanik Dharo (Local Regulations Passed by the Bhavnagar Dasha Shrimali Moti Community) Author: Dasha Shrimali Moti Gnati Publisher: Dasha Shrimali Moti Gnati, Bhavnagar

This document is a set of local community regulations (Dharo) established by the Bhavnagar Dasha Shrimali Moti Community. It was passed by the community general meeting on Kartik Sud 11, Samvat 1986 (1929 AD) and came into effect from Kartik Sud 15, Samvat 1986.

Purpose and Motivation (Introduction - Page 3-4):

The introduction explains the necessity of this regulation due to changing times and societal progress. The community felt a collective desire for improvement and adaptation. The regulations were drafted by a committee formed to address these needs. Key motivations include:

Adapting to Changing Times: Social and economic changes necessitate updated rules. Practices that once took ten years to change are now happening within a year.
Addressing Social Issues: The community recognized issues like:
- Disunity: Factions and discord within the community.
- Outdated Rules: Old laws and regulations becoming impractical for some.
- Rising Dowry (Kanyavikray): Increasing financial pressure on families due to dowry demands, affecting both rich and poor due to ostentatious displays.
- Wasteful Spending: Excessive expenditure on feasts and ceremonies.
Goal of the Regulation: To revise and update existing regulations to make them practical, effective, and implementable in current circumstances.
Emphasis on Community Cooperation: The regulations emphasize that their success depends on the voluntary cooperation and commitment of the community members, rather than coercion.
Acknowledgement of Imperfections: The introduction acknowledges that some rules might still be imperfect or require further additions, but changes were made based on the community's readiness.
Specific Concern about Dowry: The text strongly condemns dowry ("Kanyavikray") as a sinful act but acknowledges the difficulty of completely eradicating it due to vested interests and lack of community readiness. However, it states that the community will not support disputes related to the exchange of money for marriage.
Areas of Focus: The regulations aim to bring appropriate changes and simple restrictions concerning the age of betrothal, ornaments, marriages, celebrations, ceremonies like 'Anu', 'Shrimant', 'Ghiyalu', and 'Karaj'.

Key Regulations and Provisions (Pages 5-33):

The document is structured into several chapters, detailing specific rules for various aspects of community life. Here are some of the significant provisions:

General Rules (Pages 5-7):

Medical Verification: For serious illnesses and impotence, the community will appoint doctors whose certificates will be considered. A deposit will be required from those seeking community intervention in such matters.
Community Support: The community will provide assistance to members harmed while performing community duties and will take appropriate action against wrongdoers.
Community Authority: The community reserves the full right to take necessary actions in cases not covered by these regulations or in urgent situations.
Legal Recourse: While individuals are free to seek legal recourse from the government, the community can take action if such behavior harms its reputation or principles.
Decision Making: Decisions will be made through voting after discussions.
Voting Procedure: If unfairness is suspected in voting, secret ballotting (Yes/No) will be used.
Record Keeping: Proceedings and decisions will be recorded by the secretary or designated authority.
Rejoining the Community: Individuals excommunicated for marrying outside their caste can be readmitted after performing penance, as determined by the community.
Delayed Judgement: If a party seeking redressal does not receive a decision from the community within six months, they can proceed as if their request was granted.
Inter-Community Relations: Members of the community residing within their jurisdiction for five years and adhering to community rules will benefit from community regulations. However, those from other communities will not automatically gain rights in marriage-related matters and their eligibility can be reviewed at any time.
Punishment for Violations: If the penalty for violating a rule is not explicitly stated, the community has the authority to impose appropriate punishment. Non-compliance with community decisions will lead to cessation of community relations.
Financial Support: The community permits individuals to seek financial support from government or royal courts, even if it exceeds what is specified in these regulations.
Purpose of Regulations: The primary aim is to standardize community customs, without preventing individuals from availing benefits from government laws.

Chapter 1: Marriage Transactions (Kanya Lev Devna Vyavahar) (Pages 8-11):

Scope: These rules apply to all Dasha Shrimali individuals within Kathiawad, including those living outside but maintaining marriage connections, and those residing in other cities for business.
Marriage Outside Community (Perchhalla): Giving a daughter to a Dasha Shrimali from an "outsider" community (defined as a community where marriage is prohibited) will result in excommunication for five years and a fine of Rs. 501.
Marriage to Other Religions/Castes: Marrying a daughter to someone outside their caste or religion will result in lifelong excommunication.
Age Restrictions for Groom: Men above 45 years of age are prohibited from marrying a virgin daughter. If such a marriage occurs, both parties will be excommunicated for up to six months and fined Rs. 501. Such grooms will also have to deposit Rs. 2001 as "Palla." If a groom from another community of this age brings a bride, similar penalties and deposit will apply.
Verification of Groom's Caste: The responsibility to verify the groom's Dasha Shrimali identity lies with the bride's family. If a groom is found to be non-Dasha Shrimali after a fine has been paid, the bride's family will face further penalties proportional to the offense.

Chapter 2: Betrothal (Veshval Babat) (Pages 11-14):

Minimum Age: Betrothal can occur only after the bride is at least 5 years old and the groom is at least 10 years old. A minimum age difference of 4 years between the groom and bride is required. Violators will be fined Rs. 5.
Existing Betrothals: For betrothals made before this regulation came into effect, only the bride's age will be considered at the time of marriage.
Registration of Betrothal: Every betrothal must be registered in the community's records within one month of the engagement, detailing the date, ages, and agreed-upon terms. A fee of Rs. 1 is required. Failure to register within a month will incur double the fee (Rs. 2) until the marriage. If bride and groom are from different villages, registration is required in both villages.
Disputes: If a dispute arises regarding an unregistered betrothal, a fee of Rs. 2 will be charged to the complainant to hear the case.
"Palla" (Dowry/Gift) and Ornaments: It is recommended that at least Rs. 301 be set aside as "Palla" in the names of the bride and groom. The value of ornaments should not exceed Rs. 500 before marriage. The community will enforce this, and those who exceed the limit will be fined up to Rs. 101.
Betrothal Clothing: The value of betrothal clothing for the bride is limited to Rs. 60, consisting of specific items (ghaghro, polku, odhu, kasumbu, sugar, Rs. 1 cash). No further demands will be made at the time of marriage. Violators will be fined up to Rs. 51.
Festival Gifts: On Huli and Dussehra, the groom's family should give sugar and cotton cloth. On Dussehra, a cotton cloth should be given along with sugar. No other gifts like garlands, sweets, or dry fruits are permitted. Violators will be fined Rs. 1.
Sugar Distribution: The practice of distributing sugar during betrothal is prohibited; violators will be fined Rs. 5.
Coconut Gifts: Those carrying coconuts should give Rs. 1 with the coconut, and the groom's family should give Rs. 2 as a tip. Sugar should not be distributed. Violators will be fined up to Rs. 5.
Gift Presentation: Rs. 4 should be given to the bride when presenting ornaments and clothes. The presenter will receive Rs. 2. On one occasion (coconut or gift presentation), ten children from each side are to be fed a meal. Rs. 2 should be given to the groom's hand and Rs. 4 to the bride's hand for this.
Hospitality for Visitors: Visitors from out of town bringing gifts should be hosted for seven meals by the homeowner, and accompanying villagers for one meal.
"Mejenu" Prohibition: The practice of "Mejenu" (feasting in-laws and reciprocating meals) is abolished. Violators will be fined Rs. 51.
Postponement of Events: If betrothal events are postponed due to unavoidable reasons, and the groom needs to visit the bride, the groom's family should provide a meal, a cotton chunri, sugar, and Rs. 1 to the bride. The bride's family should give Rs. 1 to the groom.

Chapter 3: Marriage to a Second Wife (Ek Stri Ni Hayati Ma Biji Stri Karva Babat) (Page 14-15):

Preference for Monogamy: It is preferable for a man not to marry a second wife while the first is alive.
Conditions for Second Marriage: If the first wife has no son or there is a special reason for a second marriage, it can only occur after the first marriage has completed ten full years. Additionally, a provision of at least Rs. 3000 as "Palla" must be made for the first wife's maintenance and well-being. Of this amount, Rs. 500 can be retained as ornaments, and the remaining Rs. 2500 must be invested for her benefit.
Daughters: If the first wife has daughters and they live with her, an additional Rs. 1000 per daughter as "Palla" must be provided.
Interest from Investment: The first wife will receive the interest from the invested amount if she lives with her husband. If she lives separately, she can collect the interest.
Exceptions: The community may grant permission for a second marriage within ten years if the groom's side presents a strong, justifiable reason, and the community is satisfied with the arrangements made.
Penalties for Non-Compliance: Failure to comply with these arrangements will result in penalties determined by the community. The community will enforce the provision of arrangements for the first wife.
Fines for Premature Second Marriage: A person marrying a second wife without community permission and before the ten-year period expires will be fined Rs. 501 and forced to make arrangements for the first wife's upkeep. If they fail to pay the fine or make arrangements, community relations will be severed.

Chapter 4: Breaking Betrothal (Veshval Padtu Mukva Babat) (Page 16):

Mutual Agreement: If both parties mutually agree to break the betrothal, they must register it with the community within three months, paying Rs. 1 each for registration. Failure to do so will result in a Rs. 5 fine.
Disqualification: If, after betrothal, the groom or bride becomes seriously ill, impotent, mentally unsound, blind, crippled, or is imprisoned or exiled and cannot return until the groom is 22 and the bride is 17, or if there is any other substantial reason, the community will release them from the betrothal. All gifts and "Palla" should be returned.

Chapter 5: Marriage to a Woman Whose Betrothal is Broken (Savela Babat) (Page 16-18):

Bride Marrying Another: If a bride, after her betrothal is fixed, marries another, she will be excommunicated for up to ten years.
Mitigation for Bride's Family: If the bride's family compensates the groom's family with Rs. 501 for "Palla," ornaments, and damages within six months of the "Savela" incident, the punishment for the bride will be reduced to up to five years of excommunication.
Readmission: After the punishment period, the bride can be readmitted to the community upon application and payment of a Rs. 101 fine.
Unpaid Dues: If the bride's family fails to pay the compensation or community fine even after the punishment period, the excommunication will continue.
Groom Marrying Another: A groom who marries a "Savela" bride will be excommunicated for up to ten years and can be readmitted upon payment of a Rs. 201 fine.
Facilitators: Anyone involved in facilitating "Savela" marriages or marriages to other castes will be excommunicated for up to two years and can be readmitted upon payment of a Rs. 101 fine.
Clarification on "Savela": The community will severely punish anyone who gives a daughter in "Savela" for personal gain. However, they will deal with cases where the daughter's well-being is the reason appropriately.

Chapter 6: Marriage Ceremony (Lagna Prakran) (Pages 18-25):

Bride's Marriageable Age: The bride must be at least 14 years old before marriage.
Groom Refusal: If the groom's side refuses to marry after being called by the bride's side (when the bride is 15), and they fail to marry within one year despite community directives, the bride will be released from the betrothal. The bride's side must return ornaments and "Palla."
Bride's Refusal: If the bride's side refuses to marry after being called by the groom's side (when the bride is 14), the groom's side can complain to the community. If the bride's side fails to arrange the marriage within one year despite community directives, the community will compel them to marry her and will impose strict penalties for non-compliance.
Tips and Gifts: A fixed amount (Rs. 2) is to be given as a tip to those accompanying the groom. Rs. 1 is to be given to the Brahman who brings the coconut. Violators will be fined Rs. 1. "Juhar" (greeting) is Rs. 2.
Hospitality for Groom's Party: Villagers arriving with the groom should be hosted for one meal, and those from out of town for a maximum of three meals. Violators will be fined up to Rs. 5.
"Panetar" Clothing: The bride's side must accept "Panetar" clothing.
"Bab" (Gifts/Fees): While it's ideal to marry without receiving "Bab," if taken, the total "Bab" (including Juhar, hair braiding, seating the child, shoe hiding, ceremonial plate, general gifts, and matka gifts) should not exceed Rs. 101. Those taking less or nothing are not compelled to take more. The community prefers a tradition of taking less. Rs. 2 will be given to the person carrying the "Matka," which is included in the Rs. 101 "Bab." Violators will be fined Rs. 1.
"Samaia" Expenses: The cost of "Samaia" (welcoming procession) is borne by the bride's side.
"Kharekh" Distribution: The practice of distributing "Kharekh" during "Samaia" is prohibited; violators will be fined Rs. 5.
"Matka" Cart Driver: The custom of giving a dhoti to the cart driver carrying the "Matka" is abolished; violators will be fined Rs. 1.
Financial Hardship: If the bride's family has financial difficulties and needs to collect more than Rs. 101 for "Bab," the total amount cannot exceed Rs. 201. This must be communicated to the groom's family before the marriage. Any amount exceeding Rs. 201 collected will be refunded by the bride's family. The bride's family will be fined Rs. 25 for breaking community customs.
Ghee for Oxen: The practice of feeding ghee to the oxen of the groom's party from out of town is prohibited; violators will be fined Rs. 1.
"Varnu" (Wedding Attire): The value of "Varnu" is limited to Rs. 151, including five "Polkas," four "Sadlas," and the "Mandavetar" ceremony. Those exceeding this limit will be fined up to Rs. 101.
Miscellaneous Items: Specific quantities of sweets, betel nuts, cloves, cardamom, vermillion, silk thread, silver trays, boxes, mirrors, and waistbands are permitted. Silver boxes and trays are not allowed.
Betrothal Jewelry Rights: The bride's side has rights regarding jewelry as specified in the betrothal chapter.
"Alva Kalva" Sweet Distribution: During "Alva Kalva," one type of sweet (Golpapdi, Laddu, or Sukhdi) weighing half a seer should be taken. Violators will be fined Rs. 1.
"Kanku" Instead of Tambol: Vermillion should be applied instead of "Tambol." The groom should not be made to strain his nose during "Chandlo." Violators will be fined Rs. 1.
"Phuleku" Prohibition: The practice of "Phuleku" (procession after daughter's death) is prohibited; violators will be fined Rs. 1.
"Cheri" Expenses: Expenses for "Cheri" are borne by the bride's side.
"Chundadi Odhva" Prohibition: The custom of going to give a "Chundadi" is abolished. Instead, "Kasumbu" should be given in the "Varnu." Violators will be fined Rs. 25.
"Aanu" Meal Prohibition: The custom of providing a meal on the day after the wedding for "Aanu" is abolished. Instead, the groom's side should give Rs. 4 to the bride. Any excess will be penalized.
Hospitality for Local Groom's Party: The bride's side should host the local groom's party for a maximum of two meals. Relatives from other communities should not be invited as guests unless they live and dine at the groom's house. Violators will be fined Rs. 25.
"Harkhjaman" (Feast): It is best not to have "Harkhjaman." If held, the groom's side should not bring more than 100 people, and the bride's side should invite the number they requested. The groom's side must provide a list of invitations to the bride's side, who will then issue them in the groom's name. Violators will be fined up to Rs. 101. The practice of receiving "Chandlo" from the bride's side on the "Harkhjaman" day is abolished; instead, it will be done on the wedding day.
"Jaan Vidai" (Departure of Groom's Party): The groom's party will have Rs. 1 placed in the "Mayathapni Matli." The practice of collecting Rs. for "Bainchudi" is abolished; violators (both giver and receiver) will be fined Rs. 5 each.
"Kulgar" (Family Priest) Fees: The bride's side should pay the "Kulgar" up to Rs. 8.
Community Donations: Rs. 8 should be collected for the community fund, Rs. 4 for the destitute fund, and Rs. 1 for protection, with contributions from both groom's and bride's sides.
"Hathevala" Gifts: The bride's and groom's sides should give Rs. 4 for "Hathevala" (gifts to those helping with the ceremony).
"Eki Bekki" Game: During the first "Eki Bekki" game, Rs. 2 annas and 7 paisa should be put in the "Rupanaanu" (silver bowl). No further silver should be added in subsequent rounds.
Seating Bride for "Harkhjaman": The custom of seating the bride for "Harkhjaman" at the groom's side is abolished. Instead, the groom's side will collect the money for seating and give it to the bride's side, who will then have the bride decorated.
Groom's Car Decoration: Rs. 2 should be given by the groom's side to the groom for the decoration of his car when the bride's side places a child in it. This is included in the Rs. 101 "Bab."
Double Weddings: In the case of two brides marrying under the same canopy, the elder bride's groom will lead. If it's an aunt and niece, the aunt's groom will lead. However, for a strong reason, the younger bride's groom can be sent first.
Groom's Party Size: The groom's party should not exceed 50 people. The bride's side can request fewer. Those with financial difficulties and who have collected more than Rs. 101 for "Bab" should not bring more than 25 people. Violators will be fined up to Rs. 25.
Hosting Cart Drivers: On the first day, cart drivers should be hosted for one meal.
Shoe Hiding and "Sibhagya": Those who hide shoes will receive 5.25 seers of betel nuts. The "Chandlo" maker will receive 1 seer of betel nuts. No betel nut offerings are to be made at the mandap or village by the groom's side, nor should "Sibhagya" betel nuts be distributed. Violators will be fined Rs. 5 each.
"Resamnu" (Sulking) Prohibition: The custom of "Resamnu" is abolished.
"Uttar Ni Paharamani": The bride's side is free to give "Paharamani" (gifts) to the groom as they wish, but gifts to other relatives should not exceed Rs. 25 in total (clothes and cash). Violators will be fined up to Rs. 25.

Chapter 7: Anu (Post-Wedding Ceremonies) (Pages 25-27):

"Anu" to Daughter's Home: When visiting the daughter's home for "Anu," the greeting gift is Rs. 2. The groom's side should give Rs. 4 as a tip. Villagers visiting for "Anu" should be hosted for one meal. The bride's side should not send more than ten people to the groom's home. A "Sado" (shawl) costing Rs. 5 should be given. Violators for sending excess people will be fined Rs. 11.
Diwali or Major "Anu": On Diwali or major "Anu," the groom's side should give Rs. 2 as a greeting, and the bride's side should give Rs. 4 as a tip. The bride's side should host the groom's side for one meal. The groom's side should not bring more than fifteen people.
Hosting Meals: The community does not force hosting meals; it is at the in-laws' discretion.
Gifts during Diwali/Major "Anu": Along with returning wedding clothes, the bride's side can give gifts according to their capacity, but not exceeding the following: 12 "Polkas," 8 "Sadlas," and 8 "Ghaghras." Those exceeding will be fined Rs. 51.
Displaying Gifts: Gifts should not be displayed. The bride's side can give any amount of jewelry and cash as they wish. Violators will be fined up to Rs. 51.
Reduced Clothing Expenses: The community discourages excessive spending on clothes and recommends cash gifts instead.
"Shivdaman" Prohibition: The custom of collecting Rs. 10 for "Shivdaman" (mending/carding) is abolished; violators will be fined Rs. 10.
Hosting Out-of-Town "Anu" Visitors: Out-of-town visitors for "Anu" should be hosted for a maximum of five meals. Accompanying villagers should be hosted for one meal. Violators will be fined Rs. 5 per extra meal.
"Arda Kaliya" and "Kukhiya": The customs of "Arda Kaliya" and taking "Kukhiya" are abolished. The mother-in-law should receive a "Sadlo" up to Rs. 5. Those taking more will be fined Rs. 5.
"Ghiyana Nu Anu": Gifts during "Ghiyana Nu Anu" should be given according to capacity, but not exceeding: four "Polkas," four "Sadlas," and four "Ghaghras." Those exceeding will be fined Rs. 25.
"Dholi" and "Peti" for "Anu": If "Dholi" or "Peti" are to be given during "Anu," Rs. 4 should be given for the "Dholi" and Rs. 10 for the "Peti."

Chapter 8: Seemant (Baby Shower/Pregnancy Ceremony) (Pages 27-29):

Groom's Absence: The groom should not perform the "Seemant" ceremony; violators will be fined Rs. 51.
"Seemant Chhab" Presentation: The "Chhab" (gifts) should be presented quietly, not with fanfare. The groom's side should accept what the bride's side offers, without demanding more. Those performing "Chhab" with fanfare will be fined Rs. 5.
"Boot Marvano" Prohibition: The practice of "Boot Marvano" (a specific ritual) is abolished, but the right to Rs. 1 is recognized.
"Rakhadi Bandhaman" and "Pagla": Rs. 2 should be given for "Rakhadi Bandhaman" and Rs. 1-2-0 for "Pagla" (footprints).
Hosting "Mameriyat": For "Seemant," local "Mameriyat" (maternal relatives) should be hosted for a maximum of two meals, with not more than 25 people on the second meal. Violators for hosting extra meals or people will be fined Rs. 5 per meal or Rs. 11 for extra people.
Hosting Out-of-Town "Mameriyat": Out-of-town "Mameriyat" should be hosted for a maximum of five meals. Violators will be fined up to Rs. 25.
Hosting Local Relatives: Local relatives should be hosted for one meal.
"Sangi" Singing Prohibition: The community recommends prohibiting "Sangi" singing. During "Sangi," only "Patasa" or betel nuts should be distributed. Violators will be fined Rs. 5. Hosting for more than one meal will incur a Rs. 5 fine per extra meal.
"Juhar" Prohibition: The custom of "Juhar" is abolished.
"Mameriyat" Tips: A maximum of Rs. 5 should be given as a tip to "Mameriyat," and Rs. 2 for their accompanying "Matla" (container). Violators will be fined Rs. 5.
Maternal Relatives' Visits: Maternal relatives from out of town should send a maximum of eight people for "Seemant."
"Mosala" Gifts: Gifts during "Mosala" (paternal relatives' gifts to the pregnant daughter) should not exceed Rs. 101 in total (jewelry, clothes, and cash). Violators will be fined Rs. 25.

Chapter 9: Death Ceremonies (Maran Sambandhi) (Pages 29-31):

Mourning Procession: Women participating in the procession should return after the first stage and not engage in public lamentation.
"Immalvan" Prohibition: The custom of "Immalvan" (a specific ritual) is abolished.
Night Rituals: No rituals should be performed at night. Those who arrive at night can perform the "Kharkharo" (mourning ritual) on their forehead. This does not apply to people coming from out of town.
Duration of Mourning: Mourning rituals should not extend beyond the "Karaj" ceremony.
"Kharkharo" Time: The practice of performing "Kharkharo" in the afternoon is abolished. All women should gather once between 2-4 PM to perform it. Those arriving at other times should only perform the "Kharkharo."
"Dashan, Agiyaras" Prohibition: "Dashan" (10th day) and "Agiyaras" (11th day) death ceremonies are completely abolished. Religious rituals are permitted. Violators will be fined Rs. 1.
Rotli Distribution: Rotli should not be served with ghee at the time of death. Only "Chapati" should be given. Those serving with ghee will be fined Rs. 1.
"Kanbhangu" Hospitality: Those attending the "Karaj" ceremony should be hosted for five meals. They should be served dal-rice for one meal and sweets for one meal, meaning three meals of sweets and two meals of dal-rice. Those staying longer will be fined Rs. 5. Exceptions are made for unavoidable reasons.
No Feasting after Death: The community strongly discourages feasting after death. However, due to long-standing customs, a complete abolition is difficult. Therefore, it is resolved that for deaths of individuals under 40 years of age, no "Karaj" should be performed, and no one should attend such feasts. The community recommends performing religious acts for the peace of the departed soul and feeding the destitute, poor, Brahmins, and Sadhus. For deaths of individuals over 40, if the heirs do not wish to perform ceremonies, it is recommended to help the destitute and perform charitable acts in the deceased's name. A fine of Rs. 51 will be imposed for performing "Karaj" for those under 40.
"Chhamasi" and "Varsi" Prohibition: "Chhamasi" (six-month commemoration) and "Varsi" (yearly commemoration) are completely abolished. Violators will be fined Rs. 101.
Unmarried In-laws' Death: In the case of an unmarried relative's death, the custom of giving a turban to the father-in-law and clothes to the bride is addressed. The turban should be given only to the father-in-law's protector or will executor, with a maximum of Rs. 4 for the turban and a maximum of Rs. 8 for a shawl for the bride. Not more than Rs. 4 should be given to a married son-in-law.
Groom's Death Before Marriage: If the groom dies after betrothal but before marriage, the bride's side must return all ornaments and "Palla" to the groom's side within one month. If nose jewelry was given, the bride can keep it. Returning clothes is optional. If the bride's side fails to return items within a month, the marriage will be stopped by the community, and all items will be collected.
Bride's Death Before Second Marriage: If a bride dies before her second marriage, the community will ensure her father receives her rightful dues from the first groom's side.
Widow's Property: If a married woman dies without children, her clothes, jewelry, and cash belong to her children. The parents of both sides must collectively manage this property until the child reaches adulthood, without spending any amount except for the child's direct benefit.
Widow's Clothing: The custom of buying expensive clothes for widows is abolished. Widows should only be given simple shawls.
Marriage to Lower Caste: Any community member marrying a girl from a lower caste and presenting her as a daughter of their community in another town will be excommunicated for life.
Selling/Brokering Livestock: Selling or acting as a broker for cattle to butchers, butchers, or people of lower castes is strictly prohibited and will be severely punished. Giving young bulls to butchers will also be severely punished.
Conversion: Anyone mingling with and converting to a lower caste will be excommunicated. However, they can be readmitted after performing penance if they mend their ways.
Condemnation of Dowry: Dowry is a highly reprehensible act, and the community views those who engage in it with contempt.

Final Note (Page 34):

The document concludes with a request to preserve the book and add any further regulations or amendments to the last pages.

This comprehensive summary covers the core aspects, objectives, and specific regulations outlined in the Bhavnagar Dasha Shrimali Moti Gnati's local code of conduct.