Gahoi is a merchant Vaishya-Baniya community in central India. [1] [2]
Gahois are divided into 12 gotras, each gotra is divided into six alls. [3] They have traditionally interdined with the Parwar Jain community of Bundelkhand. [4]
The "Grahapati" family mentioned in the Grahapati Kokkala inscription is believed to be from the same community that is now known as Gahoi. [5] This inscription at Khajuraho, dated Vikram Samvat 1056, Kartika (1000–1001 AD), is the earliest known reference to the Grahapati family. [6] Unlike all other Chandella-era Grahapati inscriptions which are Jain, this refers to a Shiva temple, [7] although Verse 3 suggests that the builder also worshipped Jinas. An inscription is of Vikram samvat 1011 mentioning Pahilla, regarded to have been a Grahapati, who built a Jain temple during the reign of Dhanga at Khajuraho. This temple is among those that still exist at Khajuraho. [8] [9] [10]
A bronze Jain Altarpiece with Parshvanatha, Shantinatha, and Vasupujiya is preserved in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. [11] It was installed by Sadhu Sandhan, son of Kuntha, of Grahapati family in Vikram 1121 (1178 AD). [12]
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