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Maharashtrian Bhandaris

This Marathi speaking community is mainly found in Maharashtra. They migrated southward from Rajputana in early 1100 and subsequently spread over different parts of India. Along with Maharashtra, they can be found in significant numbers in Rajasthan, parts of Central India, Gujarat, Goa and even parts of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

The Community belongs to "Kshatriya" caste and has an ancient history. Sub communities include Kitte, Hetkari, Kshatriya, Thale, Chaudhary, Devkar, Sheshwanshi(shinde) and Morey. They established many kingdoms and established themselves as warriors in many kshatriya kingdoms of that era. Maurya(More) Bhandaris arrived in present day Thane when Maurayas invaded the region. Sheshwanshi Bhandaris arrived with King Bhimdev, who established his base in Mumbai in 13th Century. During his reign he is also supposed to have brought Pathare Prabhus, Palshis, Pachkalshis, Vadvals, Bhois, Agris and Brahmins to Mumbai. Kitte Bhandaris evolved from Kirtik Bhattars(warriors) in the konkan region. Ratan Singh, the hindu king of Ahmedabad was from this community. Bhandaris established smaller kingdoms around present day Mumbai. Bhandari community was actively involved in formation of Maratha empire under Shivaji Maharaj.Haraji Bhatkar, Maynaik Hatkar, Santaji Bole, Raiji Gadde, Bapuji Naik were some of the famous warriors of the era. Bhandaris were instrumental in building the Maratha navy along with the agris. Raut, Bhatkars, Jaokar, Sarang were involved in conflicts with Siddhi Jauhar and Portuguese.

Bhandaris in Mumbai

Bhandaris are one of the oldest communities in Mumbai, and have played a significant role in its development. The first printing press in Mumbai was set up by a Bhandari gentleman. Bhandari Militia was the first police establishment in Mumbai. Significant populations of Bhandaris can still be found in Mumbai. Kitte Bhandari Ekyawardak Mandal was established in 1890 to unite the community and work for its welfare. It has its headquarters at Dadar, Mumbai.

Khatris and Sikh

"Bhandari" is also last name found in the Khatri caste found in India. It is most common as a surname amongst the Sikh and Hindu Khatris of Punjab. Religions Sikhism Scriptures Guru Granth Sahib Languages English, Punjabi] A Sikh (English: or ; Punjabi: , , IPA: ) is an adherent to Sikhism. ... This article discusses the adherents of Hinduism. ... The Khatris is a sub-group of Punjabis and are the original Kshatriya group of the Hindu caste system. ...

Prominent Bhandaris include:

• Daulat Mal Bhandari
• Surjan Singh Bhandari
• Madan Kumar Bhandari
• Nar Bahadur Bhandari

Daulat Mal Bhandari was Chief Justice of High Court of Rajasthan in India, a member of the first Lok Sabha and a freedom fighter . ... Surjan Singh Bhandari was a commando of the elite National Security Guards of the Indian armed forces. ... Madan Kumar Bhandari was born in Taplejung in 1952. ... Nar Bahadur Bhandari was the former Chief Minister of Sikkim from the Sikkim Parishad Party. ...

Bhandaris from Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India

'Bhandari' is a common last name found amongst Oswals hailing from Jodhpur, Rajashthan, India. Originating from Jodhpur and then migrating all over the world. Prominent Bhandaris include:

Vinay Bhandari