The Oswal (sometimes spelled Oshwal or Osval ) are a Śvetāmbara Jain-majority Baniya community with origins in Osian , a town in the Marwar region of Rajasthan , India. They claim to be of Rajput descent. The Osavālas origin legend has multiple aspects, all of which include a fierce, meat-eating goddess who becomes pacified by a Jain ascetic, involving the conversion of a king to Jainism. In modern times, there are barely any Osavālas living in Osiyān, but they still regard the Mahavira temple and Sachiya Mata Temple as their "mother temples". They reside in Rajasthan, Malwa, Gujarat, and Kutch.
43-639: They were formerly also found in the Tharparkar district of Sindh ( pre-partition ). According to a legend, in 457 BC, Ratnaprabhasuri was at Mount Abu , and demi-goddess Chakreshvari appeared before him and urged him to spread the word of Jainism and save animals from religious violence in Maru Pradesh . She said that Swayamprabhasuri could not go beyond Śrīmal and Padmavati . He agreed to her and started moving towards Rajasthan with his 500 disciples. Upon reaching, he and his disciples started
86-736: A monitoring commission was formed to oversee the Sindh government's administration of the district. The Benazir Income Support Programme and the United Nations' World Food Programme agreed to take steps to reduce food insecurity in Tharparkar. In 2019, Pakistan was provided with US$ 362,000 and 4,727 mt of food assistance. As a part of humanitarian efforts, 287,000 families in Tharparkar each received 50 kg of wheat 12 times. Additionally, 500 houses were provided to house Thari people. 750 small-scale water plants were constructed in
129-606: A month-long penance on a small hill just outside the town. When it was time to break the fast, his disciples entered the town to beg for alms. They could not find food ' free from 42 faults ' as all residents of the town worshipped Chamunda , performed animal sacrifice , and consumed food unfit for Jain monks. In such situation, it was getting difficult for monks to survive and Ratnaprabhasuri ordered all his disciples to begin moving to another city. Legends say that demi-goddesses Chamunda and Chakreshvari are friendly to one another. Due to this relationship between them and knowing that
172-484: A separate district headed by a British Deputy Commissioner, with a political superintendent at Amarkot . In 1906, it was reorganized as the Thar and Parkar district and the district headquarters was moved from Amarkot to Mirpur Khas . Prior to the partition of India, there was a very strong cultural and trading connection between Tharparkar, Gujarat and Rajasthan , which continued for some years after partition before
215-432: A subject of efforts of numerous major NGOs , including USAID , DFID and several branches of the United Nations, no detailed, statistical report on water resources and measures to improve the situation has been published by the government. Thari people face various issues due to waterborne diseases , inadequate health facilities, famine , and lack of basic infrastructure. As of 2014, there were 140 health facilities in
258-455: Is 21%. Urban areas saw a 32% immunization rate (16% of males and 48% of females), while rural areas saw a 20% rate (26% of males and 14% of females). (2013-2015) (2005-2015) Tharparkar district is predominantly rural, with 96% of the population residing outside of urban areas. The primary economic activity of the district is agriculture, while the much smaller urban population carries out activities related to agriculture. While
301-626: Is a district in Sindh province in Pakistan , headquartered at Mithi . Before Indian independence it was known as the Thar and Parkar (1901–1947) or Eastern Sindh Frontier District (1860–1901). The district is the largest in Sindh, and has the largest Hindu population in Pakistan . It has the lowest Human Development Index rating of all the districts in Sindh. Currently the Sindh government
344-409: Is considered the most suitable area for sheep in the province. 70.3% of farms use animals as a source of power for plowing land. The percentage of donkeys in the livestock population is notably high, especially for an arid region, with the percentage in Tharparkar being higher than other areas in Pakistan. Despite the size and economic importance of the livestock population, only 12 veterinarians serve
387-517: Is planning to divide the Tharparkar district into Tharparkar and Chhachro district . The name Tharparkar originates from a portmanteau of the words Thar (referring to the Thar Desert ), and parkar (meaning "to cross over"). The Thar region was historically fertile, although it was mostly desertified between 2000 BCE and 1500 BCE. Before its desertification, a tributary of the Indus River
430-569: Is represented by constituencies 221 and 222 . In the 2018 elections , both national constituencies and three of the four provincial constituencies were won by the PPP, while one provincial seat was won by the Grand Democratic Alliance . Pakistan's estimated 185.175 billion tonnes of lignite coal reserves are the 7th largest in the world. Tharparkar district alone is estimated to hold 175.506 billion tonnes (95%) of
473-783: The Cutch Agency and Hyderabad Collectorate. The government of British India divided Sindh into Collectorates, or districts, administered by British-appointed Zamindars . Sindh was later made part of the Bombay Presidency of British India . In 1858, the entire area around Tharparkar became part of the Hyderabad District , and in 1860 the region was established as a subdivision of Hyderabad district and renamed as Eastern Sindh Frontier , with its headquarters at Amarkot . In 1882 , Eastern Sindh Frontier subdivision bifurcated from Hyderabad District and established
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#1732782606765516-996: The Sammas , the Arghuns , the Kalhoras , and the Talpurs . These rulers mainly focused on the central and western parts of Sindh while the eastern areas, including Tharparkar were largely disregarded. In 1843, as a part of the British conquest of large parts of the Indian subcontinent , Charles James Napier , the Commander-in-Chief of the Presidency Armies , defeated the Talpur dynasty and conquered Sindh. The conquered areas, including Tharparkar, were incorporated into
559-538: The Upkeśa Gaccha . Tharparkar district Provincial PS-54 Tharparkar-I - Abdul Razzaque PS-55 Tharparkar-II - Muhammad Qasim Soomro PS-56 Tharparkar-III - Faqir Sher Muhammad Bilalani PS-57 Tharparkar-IV - Arbab Lutfullah National NA-221 Tharparkar-I - Pir Noor Muhammad Shah Jeelani Tharparkar ( Dhatki / Sindhi : ٿرپارڪر ; Urdu : تھرپارکر , Urdu pronunciation: [t̪ʰəɾpɑːɾkəɾ] ), also known as Thar ,
602-417: The twelve vows of householders and five vows of Jain monks that lead to Ratnatraya and eventual moksha . He condemned the consumption of alcohol and meat sternly and on giving up animal sacrifice. He also insisted upon embracing non-violence. Further, he preached about establishing Jain temples , installing icons of Tirthankaras , and worshipping them regularly. Everyone regretted their acts of violence
645-622: The 9 days of the Navaratri . After a lengthy sermon by Ratnaprabhasuri, Chāmundā realized that violence was not the correct way and attained the Ratnatraya . She became a samyaktvi (one of right faith, knowledge, and conduct) demi-goddess. She was renamed to Sacchiya Mātā by Ratnaprabhasuri and was consecrated as the adhiśthāyikā ( transl. protecting deity ) of the Mahavira Jain temple, Osian . A shrine dedicated to her
688-850: The National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) directed the Sindh Chief Secretary to submit a report on cases of infant mortality. According to Saeed Ghani , Sindh's minister for Local Government, Public Health Engineering and Rural Development, and Katchi Abadies, a mobile app was introduced to assist with the distribution of wheat . However, no such app was actually created, and the system continues to rely on XLS / PDF files, and web resources, that weren't widely distributed. According to legislator Mahesh Kumar Malani , Rs 15 billion has been spent for development projects in nine years and further development plans worth Rs 18 billion are under way to improve
731-559: The area. The Human Development Index (HDI) of Tharparkar is 0.227. In Pakistan's 2017 HDI report, Tharparkar ranked 109th out of 114 surveyed districts, a drop from its rank as 103rd in 2013, the lowest ranking of any district in Sindh. Tharparkar also ranked among the ten worst districts for HDI growth between 2005 and 2015. The UNDP 's Multidimensional Poverty Index for Pakistan reports that 87% of population in Tharparkar lives under poverty . Due to Tharparkar's poor conditions, including its low HDI and high infant mortality rate,
774-723: The border became sealed. Large parts of Tharparkar were captured by Indian forces during the Indo-Pakistani war of 1971 in the Chachro Raid . They were returned to Pakistan only after signing of the Shimla Pact in 1972. On 31 October 1990 the district was divided into the Tharparkar and Mirpur Khas Districts . On 17 April 1993, Umerkot District was carved out of Tharparkar. Tharparkar district lies between 69° 3′ 35″ E and 71° 7′ 47″ E longitudes , and between 24° 9′ 35″ N and 25° 43′ 6″ N latitudes . To its east,
817-478: The country's energy sector. Such investments have included a 600 MW producing project implemented by the Chinese Shenhua Group , and the 1200 MW producing Thar Engro Coal Power Project . In Pakistan, mineral mining operations are subject to provincial administration. However, in 2011, to encourage large-scale investment in coal mining, the federal government authorized the creation of
860-647: The district at a cost of Rs 7.5 billion. The Thar Foundation , a joint venture of the Sindh government and Engro has planned to build a 250-bed hospital at a cost of Rs 2 billion in Tharparkar. The first 82-bed block was completed in February 2019. Despite humanitarian initiatives by provincial, federal and international authorities, the region has seen little improvement, especially in its infant mortality rate, which sees around 1,500 children die annually. Between January and October 2019 84 infants died, while in total, 703 children died. In 2016,
903-591: The district borders the Jaisalmer , Barmer and Jalore districts of Rajasthan in India. To the south, it borders the Kutch district of Gujarat in India. Umerkot district lies to its north while Badin and Mirpur Khas districts are to its west. The district has a tropical semi arid ( Köppen : BSh ) climate. During summer , it is extremely hot during the day, while nights are much cooler. April, May and June are
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#1732782606765946-641: The district was represented in the Provincial Assembly of Sindh by constituencies 60, 61, 62, and 63. The 2008 elections saw three of those constituencies represented by members of the Pakistan Muslim League (Q) (PMLQ), and one by a member of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). During the 2013 elections , three candidates from the PPP and one from the Pakistan Muslim League (N) won. Before 2018, Tharparkar
989-514: The district's 2,011,000 hectares of land are cultivated. 94% of the district's households own some form of livestock, while 77.64% of the population is actively engaged in livestock management. The average household owns 8 animals, and an estimated 7.7 million animals make up the total livestock population of the district. Sheep are especially important to the district's livestock economy, with 3 million kg of wool produced annually. Tharparkar holds 40% of Sindh's sheep population, and
1032-799: The district, including a district headquarters hospital with a capacity of 50 beds and 3 tehsil headquarters hospitals with capacities of 80 beds each. When compared to World Health Organization standards, these facilities were sufficient for only 54% of the population, while bedding capabilities were sufficient for only 6%. In Tharparkar, an average 85% of births take place at home, with home births constituting 56% of urban births and 87% of rural births. Tharparkar ranks lowest in Sindh for births assisted by skilled attendants, with only 16% deliveries performed in that manner. On average, only about 25% of pregnant women receive tetanus toxoid injections (25% in rural areas and 37% in urban areas). The overall percentage of infants aged 12–23 who receive full immunization
1075-562: The district. Art and artisanry have been part of Thari society since the Indus Valley civilisation . Common handicrafts include ralli , pottery , puppet-making, carpet-making, traditional decoration, block printing , cobbling , and embroidery, among others. In Chachro taluka alone there are 6,000 handlooms , despite the lack of a centralized facility. The sale of these products supplement local incomes, and provide economic opportunities, especially for women. Between 2002 and 2018,
1118-410: The entire town converted to Jainism. Several Jain temples were established several icons were consecrated. Ratnaprabhasuri also wrote several non-canonical scriptures such as Tattvamimansa , Tattvavichār etc. Uppaladeva's minister Uhada was already establishing a temple dedicated to Vishnu . However, the construction was being hindered. Ratnaprabhasuri suggested him to construct it with Mahavira as
1161-431: The hottest months and December, January and February are the coldest months. The mean maximum and minimum temperatures during winter are 28 °C and 9 °C, respectively. There are wide fluctuations in annual rainfall and the yearly average in some areas is as low as 100 mm. Most precipitation occurs between July and September, during the south-west monsoon . Since 1997 the highest recorded annual rainfall
1204-515: The lack of devotion in Jains and questioning Jainism's antiquity. Ratnaprabhasuri's disciple Vīrdhawalopādhyāya countered this claim by stating accounts of Jainism in the Brahmin scriptures. Ratnaprabhasuri concluded the debate stating that they have no benefit in people accepting or rejecting Jainism and that it is their moral duty to spread the word of Jainism. Brahmins eventually lost the debate and
1247-517: The land there. He found an idol of the 24th Tirthankara Mahavira . They urged Ratnaprabhasuri to consecrate this idol in the temple. However, the preceptor knew that the idol was unfinished and needed 7 more days to be completely sculpted by the demi-goddess. However, looking at the excitement and devotion among the people, he allowed digging and taking the idol out. Chamunda was angered by this and forced every householder to sacrifice one goat and every household to sacrifice one buffalo every day during
1290-449: The latter denied stating that he had given up his kingdom at Mount Vaitādhya to become a monk. He said that he would not accept any such materialistic repayment. The people requested him to deliver a sermon. He delivered an impactful sermon on the various bodies a soul wanders in and how rare a birth a human is. He emphasized that in such a rare state, one should perform acts of righteousness and embrace non-violence. He then preached about
1333-491: The main food source and economic base of Tharparkar comes from livestock management, farming and artisanry are also important factors. Despite the arid climate and generally poor conditions for growing crops, the majority of the Thari people are employed by some form of farming. Most of the area relies on scant rainfall to irrigate farmland, however, in some areas of Nagarparkar taluka, tube wells are used. 1,014,000 (50.4%) of
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1376-407: The moment his sermon ended. All residents of the town, along with King Uppaldeva accepted Jainism wholeheartedly. Shaiva Brahmins were infuriated looking at the influence of Ratnaprabhasuri on the residents of the town. They demanded a Śāstrārtha ( transl. debate on religious ideologies and scriptures ). Ratnaprabhasuri and his 35 disciples agreed to it. The Brahmins began by stating
1419-437: The monks sent by Chakreshvari were going away, Chamunda met Ratnaprabhasuri and urged him to stay for c haturmasya . He ordered monks who would not be able to perform severe penance to start walking towards another town. 465 monks left and 35 monks stayed with him. Uppaldeva's daughter Saubhāgyadevi was married to his minister Uhada's son. He was bitten by a snake and all forms of treatment did not help revive him. When he
1462-427: The national reserves, the energy contents of which would surpass the combined energy of the resource reserves of Saudi Arabia and Iran . In Pakistan, companies generating power are completely exempted from the payment of income tax , as well as turnover tax . Additionally, imports from prospective sponsors of coal power generation projects are exempted from tariffs. This is done in order to encourage investment in
1505-404: The principal deity. The temple was ready. The residents of the town asked Ratnaprabhasuri about an icon to consecrate. He knew that Chamunda was preparing one using sand and the milk of a cow, so he asked the residents to keep patience. According to scriptural and local legends, one day, the cowherd saw his cow discharging milk at a part in the village. He informed Minister Uhada and the latter dug
1548-508: The situation in Tharparkar. According to the Chief Minister of Sindh Rs 70 billion has been spent on the development of infrastructure. The government's Benazir Income Support Programme has transferred Rs 387 billion since 2008. Despite these efforts, the living standard index of Tharparkar has fallen by 50% between 2005 and 2015. Although Tharparkar has been affected by drought for at least 17 years, and has been
1591-451: The southeast, and to Mithi and Wajatto in the west. Tharparkar has been designated a major sanctuary for endangered species of vulture , while Gorano has been declared a habitat for several migratory birds. Peafowl conservation efforts in the district focus on preventing the further endangerment and death of animals that are significant as symbols of Tharparkar. In addition, illegal exploitation of scorpions and snakes has been reported in
1634-418: The wet season while desert shrubs and drought resistant trees grow year-round. Wealth of fauna is considered as a salient feature of this region.The fauna of Tharparkar is a major part of its culture, folk music, art etc. The Chinkara Wildlife Sanctuary covers 940 km in Tharparkar where the hunting of wildlife and poaching is prohibited. The prohibition extends from Chelhar in the north, to Bhorelo in
1677-444: Was 1306 mm in 2011. Tharparkar has been suffering a drought for several decades and the provincial government has declared Tharparkar as a drought-affected area. Tharparkar was officially declared as in a drought in 1968, 1978, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2001, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2018. There are at least 89 plant species of 26 plant families native to Tharparkar. Many species of herbs grow during
1720-420: Was also constructed on the small hill where Ratnaprabhasuri had performed penance. Later, the idol of Mahavira was consecrated. The residents of the town insisted upon Ratnaprabhasuri to name their clan different from Śrīmalis and Porvāls. Ratnaprabhasuri named the clan Oswāl . They were strict adherents of the Śvetāmbara sect. A poetic version of the legend was also written by a later monk belonging to
1763-428: Was being taken for cremation, Chamunda took the form of a white-clad Jain monk and told the people that he was still alive and then disappeared. When Uppaldeva heard this, he and the others took his son-in-law to Ratnaprabhasuri. The water collected after washing Ratnaprabhasuri's feet was splashed on the prince's face and he was instantly revived. The king felt indebted to Ratnaprabhasuri and gifted him valuables. However,
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1806-656: Was represented in the National Assembly by constituencies 229 and 230. During the 2008 elections, both were won by candidates of the PMLQ, while in the 2013 elections, they were both won by candidates of the PPP. After a new delimitation of constituencies in 2018, the district is represented in the Provincial Assembly by constituencies 54, 55, 56, and 57, while in the National Assembly, it
1849-577: Was said to flow through the region; it is speculated by some historians that this river could be the ancient Sarasvati River mentioned in the Hindu Rigveda . The Thar region is also mentioned in the Ramayana , where it is called "Lavanasagara" (meaning "salt ocean"). Sindh was ruled by various dynasties after the fall of the Indus Valley civilisation . These dynasties included the Soomras ,
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