What does Modh mean in Gujarati surnames?
Modh is an adjective adopted in the surnames of Gujarati people who originate from the town of Modhera in Gujarat. It marks membership in either the Modh Brahmin or Modh Vania communities.
Questions about Modh
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What is the Dharmaaranya Purana and how does it relate to the Modh community?
The Dharmaaranya Purana is the caste purana of both the Modh Brahmins and Modh Vanias, composed by the Modh Brahmins between the 14th and 15th centuries CE. It describes the divine origins of both groups, with the Modh Brahmins created by the gods to make Dharmaaranya a holy tirtha, and the Modh Vaniks brought into being by the divine cow Kamadhenu.
What is the difference between Visa and Dasa in the Modh Vania community?
The Modh Vanias are divided into Visa and Dasa, a division common to other Hindu Vania communities. Visa, meaning "20", holds the higher status, while Dasa, meaning "10", holds the lower rank.
When were Modh Ghanchis classified as Other Backward Class in India?
Modh Ghanchis, also known as Telis, were classified as an Other Backward Class by the state of Gujarat in 1994 and by the Union of India in 1999.
Which caste did Mahatma Gandhi belong to?
Mahatma Gandhi belonged to the Modh-Bania caste. The Ambani family also belongs to the Modh-Bania caste.
What religion do Modh Vanias follow today?
In modern times, all Modhs follow the Vaishnav tradition. Formerly, Modh Vanias were either Vaishnav or Jain.