Gohelwad Ane Visha Shrimali Gnatinu Bandharan Ane Dharadhoran

This document is the constitution and regulations of the Gohelwad Visha Shrimali community, adopted in Samvat 1989 (1933 CE). It outlines the organizational structure, rules, and guidelines for the community's social, religious, and economic affairs.

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects:

1. Preamble and Historical Context:

• The document begins with a statement of purpose, aiming to ensure uniform practices and conduct within the Visha Shrimali community spread across approximately five hundred villages in the Gohelwad region.
• It references previous regulations from Samvat 1952 and 1979, indicating a history of evolving community governance.
• The current regulations were formulated at a community convention held in Ranghola in Samvat 1989, following discussions on the need for updates due to societal changes.

2. Governance Structure:

• Mahajan Committee (Country-wide Committee): A committee of representatives from all talukas (districts/regions) and sub-villages is established to oversee the overall community affairs. This committee is intended to ensure systematic adherence to laws and regulations.
• Permanent Office: A permanent office is to be established for the Mahajan Committee to manage its work regularly.
• Annual General Meetings: The committee is to hold annual general meetings.
• Talukas: The document identifies specific cities and towns as "Talukas," which have jurisdiction over surrounding villages. These Talukas are responsible for implementing the regulations within their areas.

3. Key Areas of Regulation:

• Constitution (Chapter 1):

  • Defines the scope of the regulations, applying to the Visha Shrimali Vanik (merchant) caste residing in the Gohelwad region and its territories.
  • Repeals previous regulations that contradict the new ones.
  • Provides definitions for key terms like "Mahajan" (community group), "Taluka," "Ghol" (community group bound by these rules), etc.
  • Outlines the criteria for inclusion in the Gohelwad Deshawari Visha Shrimali Mahajan, including residency duration and adherence to community practices.
  • Establishes a formal process for individuals from outside the region to be integrated into the community.
  • Recognizes and establishes reciprocal relationships with the Saurashtra Visha Shrimali community.
  • Stipulates the formation of the Gohelwad Visha Shrimali Mahajan Committee with a specified number of representatives from various Talukas (totaling 101).
  • Defines the powers and responsibilities of the committee, including handling applications, issuing agendas, and managing finances.
  • Outlines the structure of the executive committee (President, Secretaries, members).
  • Details the process for resolving disputes and handling grievances.

• Community Welfare Fund (Chapter 1, Section 22 onwards):

  • Establishes the "Gohelwad Visha Shrimali Community Welfare Department" (Jativardhak Khata).
  • Its objectives include promoting education for children, ensuring the livelihood and safety of widows, and providing loans for community members' development.
  • A directory of community members is to be prepared.
  • Funding Mechanism: A fixed contribution is levied on marriage ceremonies: Rs. 1 for betrothal registration and Rs. 5 from the groom's side for each wedding. These funds are to be deposited with the respective Taluka Mahajans and then remitted to the central fund.
  • Utilization of Funds: The funds will be used for educational support, financial assistance to widows, and providing loans.

• Betrothal and Marriage Regulations (Chapters 2, 3, and 4):

  • Betrothal (Chapter 2):
    • Strict rules regarding the conduct of betrothal ceremonies, including the presence of elders and proper record-keeping.
    • Levies are imposed for betrothal registration (Rs. 1 for the Mahajan, Rs. 1 for the Welfare Fund).
    • Regulations on gifts and offerings during betrothal ceremonies, with strict limits on monetary and material exchanges to curb ostentation.
    • Age restrictions for marriage (girls above 5 years old not to be given to men above 45 years old).
    • Rules on visiting the bride's family during betrothal-related rituals.
    • Prohibitions on extravagant practices like sharing sweets or giving gifts during certain rituals.
    • Stipulations on the timing of presenting wedding clothes.
    • Regulations on the number of people allowed to travel for betrothal ceremonies.
  • Marriage (Chapter 3):
    • Guidelines for wedding invitations.
    • Regulations on gifts from the groom's side to the bride's family, with specific monetary values and types of clothing.
    • Rules on the groom's procession, including limitations on the number of guests and provisions for their hospitality.
    • Detailed specifications for gifts, cash, and clothing to be exchanged during various wedding rituals.
    • Strict prohibitions on certain practices like the groom's bullocks being offered ghee, or guests being entertained excessively.
    • Regulations on dowry and the use of money received by the bride.
    • Restrictions on certain marriage customs like the bride being seated on the groom's lap or receiving gifts during certain ceremonies.
    • Rules regarding the bride's family's expenses and exchanges with the groom's family.
    • Guidelines for the conduct of the wedding ceremony itself, including seating arrangements and the exchange of money.
    • Regulations on post-wedding rituals and gifts.
    • Restrictions on the number of guests during the send-off of the bride.
    • Guidelines on the distribution of wedding expenses and the handling of gifts.
    • Restrictions on the age of marriage (girls at 14, boys at 18).
  • Annuity and Seemant (Chapter 4):
    • Regulations on the customary visits and gifts exchanged between the bride's and groom's families during specific occasions like Diwali and other visits.
    • Stipulations on the number of people accompanying the bride's family and the hospitality to be provided.
    • Detailed rules on the gifts of clothing and money to be exchanged.
    • Regulations on the "Seemant" ceremony (a pre-wedding ritual), including gifts.

• Rules Regarding Polygamy (Chapter 5):

  • The community strongly disapproves of polygamy.
  • Permission to marry a second time requires a minimum of ten years of marriage with the first wife and explicit permission from the Mahajan Committee.
  • Strict conditions are laid down for granting such permission, including financial security for the first wife and ensuring her well-being.
  • Penalties are prescribed for violating these rules, including excommunication and fines.

• Death Rites (Chapter 6):

  • Regulations aimed at simplifying and reducing the expenses associated with death rituals and mourning periods.
  • Prohibitions on elaborate feasts and excessive mourning practices.
  • Guidelines on who should attend funeral ceremonies and how to conduct them.
  • Rules regarding the return of gifts and property after the death of a spouse.
  • Regulations on the conduct of widows, including restrictions on remarriage based on age and the presence of children.
  • Guidelines for the financial support of widows without children, ensuring their maintenance through community mechanisms.

• Annulment of Betrothal (Chapter 7):

  • Provisions for annulment of betrothal in specific circumstances, such as severe illness or infertility of the bride.
  • The process involves applying to the Taluka Mahajan, who will then investigate and potentially grant permission.
  • Penalties are outlined for unauthorized annulment or for entering into new betrothals without permission.

• Religious Conduct (Chapter 8):

  • Emphasis on adherence to Jainism, with strict prohibitions against associating with individuals who convert to other religions.
  • Regulations on food practices during community gatherings, prohibiting root vegetables and late-night meals.
  • Prohibition of certain perceived "un-Jain" practices or professions.

• Punishments and Fines (Chapter 9):

  • Outlines penalties for various violations of the regulations, including fines, excommunication, and restrictions on social interaction.
  • Specific fines are prescribed for marrying outside the community, or for giving daughters to individuals from outside the prescribed geographical or community boundaries.
  • Rules on restitution for damages or breaches of contract.
  • Guidelines for dealing with individuals who assist in or abet violations of the community rules.

4. Appendices:

• List of Representatives: A list of representatives from various Talukas who attended the convention.
• List of Talukas and their Villages: A comprehensive list of all the villages under the jurisdiction of each Taluka, providing a clear territorial scope for the regulations.

Overall Significance: This document serves as a vital historical and legal record of the Gohelwad Visha Shrimali community's efforts to regulate its internal affairs and maintain its social and religious identity. It reflects a strong emphasis on community cohesion, ethical conduct, and the reduction of ostentatious spending in social ceremonies. The detailed nature of the regulations highlights the community's commitment to establishing a structured and disciplined framework for its members' lives.