Hum Choradiya Khartar Nahi Hai

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Hum Choradiya Khartar Nahi Hai" by Kesarichand Choradia:

The book "Hum Choradiya Khartar Nahi Hai" (We Choradias are not Khartar) by Kesarichand Choradia is a strongly worded defense and historical clarification of the Choradia community's lineage and affiliation within Jainism. The central argument of the book is to refute the claim that the Choradia community, along with several other related clans (Gulechha, Parakh, Gadaiya, Sav Sukha, Bhatnera, Bucha, Rampuriya, Nabariya, Choudhary, Daftari, etc.), are part of the Khartar Gachha (sect). Instead, the author asserts that they belong to the Upakesh (Kamala) Gachha and have an ancient history dating back 2393 years, tracing their origins to Acharya Ratnaprabhasuri.

Key Arguments and Points Made by the Author:

• Refutation of Khartar Affiliation: The primary motivation for the book is to counter the assertion, particularly attributed to a Khartargachhiya monk named Harisagarji in Nagaur, that the Choradias were "created" by Jindatsuri, a prominent figure in the Khartar tradition. The author vehemently denies this, arguing that the Choradia lineage predates Jindatsuri by over 1500 years.
• Historical Evidence through Inscriptions: The book presents several ancient inscriptions (shilalekhs) from the 15th and 16th centuries (Vikram Samvat 1480, 1524, 1562, 1519) as irrefutable proof. These inscriptions clearly mention the Aditya-Nag Gotra (clan) as a branch of the Upakesh Gotra, and the Choradia lineage is explicitly identified as a branch of the Aditya-Nag Gotra.
• Aditya-Nag Gotra is Ancient and Upakeshagachha: The author highlights that the Aditya-Nag Gotra was established by Acharya Ratnaprabhasuri, who lived approximately 2393 years ago (around 70 years after Lord Mahavir's Nirvana). This directly contradicts the Khartar claim that Jindatsuri, who lived much later, created the Choradias.
• The "Bhaisa Shah" Legacy: The book extensively discusses the lineage of "Bhaisa Shah," a prominent historical figure who belonged to the Aditya-Nag Gotra. The author provides evidence of four different individuals named Bhaisa Shah across various centuries, dating back to Vikram Samvat 209. This demonstrates the antiquity and continuous presence of the Aditya-Nag Gotra (and by extension, its branches like Choradia) long before the Khartar Gachha came into existence.
• Genealogical Connections: The author clarifies that the Choradia surname is not an independent Gotra formed from conversion from non-Jainism, but rather a branch of an ancient Gotra. The text mentions a book by a Khartar monk, Yati Ramlalji, which lists "Aichagag" or "Aditya-Nag" Gotra among the 18 Gotras established by Acharya Ratnaprabhasuri.
• Critique of Khartar Claims: The author criticizes the Khartar community for making unsubstantiated claims, relying on "gossip and old tales" rather than verifiable historical evidence. He challenges them to produce concrete proof for their assertions.
• Legal Rulings and Royal Decrees: The book cites historical decrees and pronouncements from royal courts in Jodhpur, dating from the 18th century (Vikram Samvat 1757, 1781, 1835, 1877, 1878). These decrees, issued by various Maharajas, explicitly state that the eighteen clans of Oswals, including the Choradias and their associated branches, are followers of the Upakesh Gachha and that Bhattarak Siddhasuriji (from the Upakesh lineage) is their spiritual head.
• The Name "Oswal": The book delves into the origin of the "Oswal" name. It argues, based on historical texts and scholarly interpretations (like those by Muni Shri Kalyanvijayji and Babu Purnachandraji Nahar), that the Oswals are descendants of the Upakesh Gachha, originating from Acharya Ratnaprabhasuri's teachings to Kshatriyas in Upakeshpur (modern Osian). This further undermines the Khartar claim that they created the Oswals.
• Emphasis on Truth and Scholarship: The author positions himself as a seeker of truth, not driven by animosity towards the Khartar Gachha. He appeals to the Khartars to present credible evidence and engage in open debate rather than relying on hearsay.
• Call for Evidence and Openness: The author challenges the Khartars to present any ancient proof that Jindatsuri created the Choradias within a month, promising to critically examine it. He criticizes the tendency of some Khartars to dismiss evidence by simply stating "We say so!" or citing unreliable narratives.
• Broader Implications for Related Clans: By establishing the ancestral lineage and Upakesh Gachha affiliation of the Choradias, the book implicitly clarifies the position of other associated clans like Gulechha, Parakh, Gadaiya, etc., as also being branches of the ancient Aditya-Nag Gotra and followers of the Upakesh Gachha.
• Future Work: The author mentions plans to write a separate, more detailed book specifically on the history of their caste.

In essence, "Hum Choradiya Khartar Nahi Hai" is a robust historical and evidentiary argument presented to correct what the author believes to be a historical misrepresentation by the Khartar Gachha regarding the origins and affiliation of the Choradia community and several other allied Jain communities. It firmly anchors their identity to the Upakesh Gachha and the teachings of Acharya Ratnaprabhasuri, predating the Khartar tradition by centuries.