Gaidher

Last updated July 13, 2025

Gaidher / Gaidhar also known as Gajdhar is a word of Gujarati, Kutchi and Rajasthani language. The word Gaidher derives its origin from the word Gadh or Garh. The word Gadh in north Indian languages like Hindi, Gujarati, Rajasthani, Marwari, Marathi means a fort, like Chittorgarh, Sinhgadh, Mehrangadh.

Individuals who were experts in planning and building forts were called Gaidhers or Gajhars. Gaidhar means chief architect.^[1] It also literally means a construction foreman or a Master Mason.^[1] Forts were built at strategic locations, often on hilltops, to guard the kingdoms.

Gaidhers held an important place in kings' courts and were respected. They were appointed by kings based on their skills and loyalty. Gaidhers were known for their high integrity, as they were responsible for creating blueprints and overseeing the construction of forts. Kings trusted them and they had the authority to hire manual laborers and skilled masons for such construction works.

For example, members from Mestri ^[1]^[2] and Suthar communities,^[1] who were master-builders, were usually appointed as Gaidher in Cutch. In Madhya Pradesh, Gajdhar was a title awarded to the city architects and held an important place in the royal court and were looked upon with respect. Sometimes upon requirement another, two or three Gaidhers were then appointed with his consultation by king and they used to work under head Gaidher as their assistants, Something like Assistant Engineer.

Surname

This is also one of the occupational surnames found in persons of India or Indian origin.

In India or persons of Indian origin you can find many people using Gaidhar or Gajdhar as a surname. The persons using this surname are usually found in people of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.

References

1 2 3 4 Gaidhar : Master Mason; Construction Foreman from Bhuj, Art, Architecture, History by Azhar Tyabji, Environmental Planning Collaborative (Ahmadābād, India)Mapin, 2006 :pp 72, 78, 138, 189, 238.
↑ Raja Pawan Jethwa (2007). Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas: A Brief History & Glory. Calcutta. pp. 63–64. The post of Gaidher in Princely State of Cutch was generally held by Mistri community. Mistri Jagmal Pitamber of Anjar was Gaidher of the Kutch Raaj in early and middle of 19th century, when forts of Anjar, Mandavi, Mundra & Lakhpat were built under his supervision. Third in line of succession to Pitambar Padma was his grandson Ruda Jagmal Gajdhar and later his son Jairam Ruda Gajadhar Rathod, who became Gaidher for the State during the reign of Maharao Shree Pragmalji II and Shree Khengarji Bawa.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)

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[bhuj-1] 1 2 3 4 Gaidhar : Master Mason; Construction Foreman from Bhuj, Art, Architecture, History by Azhar Tyabji, Environmental Planning Collaborative (Ahmadābād, India)Mapin, 2006 :pp 72, 78, 138, 189, 238.

[2] Raja Pawan Jethwa (2007). Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas: A Brief History & Glory. Calcutta. pp. 63–64. The post of Gaidher in Princely State of Cutch was generally held by Mistri community. Mistri Jagmal Pitamber of Anjar was Gaidher of the Kutch Raaj in early and middle of 19th century, when forts of Anjar, Mandavi, Mundra & Lakhpat were built under his supervision. Third in line of succession to Pitambar Padma was his grandson Ruda Jagmal Gajdhar and later his son Jairam Ruda Gajadhar Rathod, who became Gaidher for the State during the reign of Maharao Shree Pragmalji II and Shree Khengarji Bawa.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)

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