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MUSTAFABAD TANKARIA- HISTORY BOOK

Second Edition: 2014

(First Edition published in 2007, on www.tankaria.wetpaint.com)

Tankaria is the biggest village in the Bharuch Taluka and second biggest village in the

Bharuch District of Gujarat State, India. The village has the highest rate of literacy in

Bharuch District. Nearly to the mid of the twentieth century, the village was famous for

its cotton growing farmers and its businesspeople. Many Tankarvis took an active part

in the freedom movement of India.

Tankaria has produced many Primary and High School Teachers, Doctors, Engineers,

Pharmacists, Building Contractors, Skilled Technicians, Businessmen, Government

Officials, Writers, Poets, Politicians and, Social Workers. Tankaria has also produced

remarkable numbers of Islamic Scholars. Tankaria has produced few University

Professors, College Lecturers, Lawyers, Land Surveyors and Chartered Accountants.

Tankarvis working as primary school teachers can find everywhere in cities and villages

in Bharuch and its neighboring districts. Tankaria is widely known for its Primary

School Teachers, Businessmen and, Poets. Among Bharuchi Vahora Patel Community,

Tankarvis are famous for their best hospitality and friendly nature.

Many Tankarvis settled in Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, and Mumbai. Few Tankarvis

also settled elsewhere in Gujarat. Outside India Tankarvis mainly settled in the UK,

USA, Canada, South Africa, Zambia and other African countries. Some Tankarvis also

settled for employment or business in countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait,

Oman, Mauritius, Reunion Island, and New Zealand.

The name of the village was Mustafabad, later on, it was renamed as Tankaria. (After

1453 CE & Before 1583 CE.)

Currently, Mustafabad Tankaria History Book is divided into 04 Parts. More parts/

chapters will be added in the future editions with contributor’s name.

Part 01. Recorded History of Mustafabad Tankaria: Edited By: Nasirhusen Ahmed

Lotiya

Part 02. Oral History (Oral Tradition): Edited By: Nasirhusen Ahmed Lotiya & Mustak

Suleman Daula

Part 03. Tankaria and Tankarvis: Edited By: Nasirhusen Ahmed Lotiya

Part 04. Tankaria History (Another Perspective): Edited By: Shakil Abdullah Bha

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(Notes from editors: Our pure intention of publishing Mustafabad Tankaria-History

Book is to prevent our village history being destroyed physically and morally and lost

forever. We have forgotten how to tell a story to our kids so there is a reason to afraid

our village history will be forgotten forever. If you think our History will help somehow

to our coming generations, please download, save and share the History of our beloved

village with all our Mustafabadi-Tankarvis living all around the world. Tankarvis are

invited to contribute and share their knowledge related to our History. All contributions

will be published with contributor’s name).

Part 01 : Recorded History of Mustafabad Tankaria

Edited By: Nasirusen Ahmed Lotiya

Mustafabad Jam-e- masjid

Photo Courtesy: Tankaria Wetpaint

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History of Mustafad Jam-e-Masjid recorded on Epigraph

There is an Epigraph/ Inscription affixed to the wall of the historical Jam-e-Masjid. The

inscription is in the Arabic language. Inscription of Jam-e-Masjid happens to be the

earliest record that has come so far to our notice related to our village history. This

inscription translated in the Urdu language in October 1964. Translation wrote in

Gujarati script on a piece of marble that is also affixed to the wall of Jam-e-Masjid.

Translation in English is as below.

“Masjid is for the prayer to Allah so do not worship any other than Allah. The Prophet

said, “Whoever builds a Masjid of Allah, Allah builds for him a house in paradise."

Mustafabad Jam-e-Masjid built during the ruling period of the Emperor Qutub Abu’l

Muzaffar Ahmed Shah, by the grace of Allah. Masjid built following the request of the

leader of young Saiyyad Atau’llah Raja honoured with title Sharafu’l- Mulk and the

efforts of Qaziyul- Mashaikh. Masjid was ready for the use on 09 Rabi- Al- Awwal, 857

Hijri.”

Note: Mustafabad Jam-e- masjid is in the centre of the village near the main

marketplace (Bazaar).

History of Mustafabad Jam-e-Masjid in authentic records

History of Mustafabad Jam-e- Masjid recorded in the following authentic/Government

records.

(1) Indian Archaeology- Edition 1972-73, Page 48.

(2) Archaeological Survey of India, Government of India. Edition-1978, Page 48.

(3) Epigraphic Resources in Gujarat- Page 19.

It is recorded in the Archaeological Survey of India on page 48 of Edition- 1978 as

below.

“GUJARAT”

“As Inscription of the Sultans of Gujarat, District Broach, a slightly damaged record

from Tankaria, District Broach, records the construction of the Jami' mosque of the

town of Mustafabad by Sayyid 'Atau'llah Raja Husaini, entitled Sharafu'l-Mulk at the

instance of Qutbu'd-Din Ahmed Shah-II.”

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Jam-e-Masjid with beautiful, tall and distinguished architectural minaret, its beautiful

arches and having a bigger prayer area also proves that there must be enough Muslims

in this village in 1453 CE so that the ruling authorities showed their interest to build this

beautiful historical Jam-e-Masjid. Also, name Mustafabad itself give us the confidence to

prove that the inhabitants of this village must be Muslims during the construction period

of this masjid in 1453 CE

Facts related to Mustafabad Jam-e- Masjid:

(1) Construction of Jam-e-Masjid completed on 9 Rabi-Al- Awwal, Hijri 857 corresponds

to Monday, 19 March 1453 CE. Conversion of Hijri date to Gregorian date verified with

Islamic websites. There is a possibility of maximum 01 or 02 days difference.

(2) Mustafabad Jam-e-Masjid built during the ruling period of Ahmed Shah-II. As

recorded in the History books his personal name was Jalal Khan. He was the eldest son

of Muizz-ud-Din (Karim Khan also Known as Muhammad Shah-II. Ruled from 1443 CE

to 1451 CE) and grandson of Sultan Ahmed Shah-I (Ahmed Shah Badshah- Founder of

Ahmedabad city as Capital. Ruled from 1411 CE-1442 CE). Qutb-ud-Din Ahmed Shah II

was ruling Sultan (King) from 1451 CE until his death on 25th May 1458 CE (Rajab 12,

862 Hijri) of Muzaffarid dynasty. Jalal Khan Qutb-ud-din Ahmed Shah II, the eldest son

of Muhammad Shah II, sit on the throne as a youth ruler only at the age of twenty in

1451 CE and ruled up to his death on 25th May 1458 CE. He was honoured with titles of

Qutb-ud-Din and Qutub Abu’l Muzaffar- Father of victories. He married to the daughter

of Shams Khan from Nagor. Qutb-ud-Din Ahmed Shah II died on 25th May 1458 CE and

buried in the royal mausoleum in the Manek Chock at Ahmadabad, by the side of his

father and his Grandfather Ahmed Shah I. Mausoleum is a large square domed structure

with a central hall and four square rooms at the corners joined by pillared verandahs.

Windows of perforated stone-work allow light into the interior. In the centre of the marble

hall floor is the tomb of Sultan Ahmad Shah, on either side, are the tombs of his son

Muhammad Shah II (1451), and his grandson Jalal Khan Qutu'd-din Ahmed Shah II

(1458), all carved of white marble. Jalal khan was succeeded by popularly known

Mahmud Begada within one month after his death. Mustafabad was under Muzaffarid

dynasty. Muzaffarid dynasty was sultans of Gujarat, in western India from 1391 CE to

1583 CE, until the conquest of Gujarat by the Mughal Empire. The founder of the

Muzaffarid dynasty was Zafar Khan Muzaffar also known as Muzaffar Shah-I. Zafar Khan

was appointed as governor of Gujarat by Nasir-ud-Din Muhammad bin Tughluq IV in

1391, the ruler of the principal state in north India at the time, the Delhi Sultanate. Zafar

Khan defeated Farhat-ul-Mulk near Anhilwada Patan and made the city his capital. He

declared himself independent in 1407. The next sultan, his grandson Ahmad Shah I

founded the new capital Ahmedabad in 1411 on the banks of Sabarmati River, which he

styled as Shahr-i-Mu'azzam (the great city).

Jam-e-Masjid with beautiful, tall and distinguished architectural minaret, its beautiful

arches and having a bigger prayer area also proves that there must be enough Muslims

in this village in 1453 CE so that the ruling authorities showed their interest to build

this beautiful historical Jam-e-Masjid. Also, name Mustafabad itself give us the

confidence to prove that the inhabitants of this village must be Muslims during the

construction period of this masjid in 1453 CE.

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History of Mustafabad Town in authentic records

Name of town as “Mustafabad” recorded in following authentic/Government Records.

(1) Based on research of Mr Ganam (Shri Ganam was a Research Officer of

Archaeological Survey of India) the following statement was recorded on page 17 & 18

of Epigraphia Indica.

“ Tankaria was at the date of the record officially called Mustafabad. The epigraph

provides one more instance of the present day customs of the renaming of town. The

importance of epigraph for the local history of the town is obvious”

(2) Facts related to the new naming of Mustafabad also recorded in the records of

Archaeological Survey of India, Government of India. Dr Z.A. Desai, Director of

Epigraphy, stated the facts related to a new naming of places. As mentioned, he found

at least 05 places that are known through epigraphs to have received new names

during the pre- Mughal period. These are (a) Tankaria alias (alias - Named at another

time) Mustafabad in Broach (Bharuch) district of Gujarat. (b) Diyadar alias

Mahmudabad in Sabar Kantha District of Gujarat. (c) Sanchor alias Muhammadabad

in Jalor district of Rajasthan. (d) Malia alias Rasulabad in Rajkot district of Gujarat and

(e) Khakharechi alias Ambiyabad in Rajkot district of Gujarat.

Reference: Archaeological Survey of India, Government of India, EPIGRAPHIA INDICA

– ARABIC AND PERSIAN SUPPLEMENT- 1975, page 30.

(3) Studies in Indian place names, Volume 9, page 76.

(4) Islamic India studies in history, epigraphy, onomastic and numismatics. Page 57,

79 and 344.

Note : In the original epigraph/ inscription affixed to the wall of Jam-e-Masjid the

name of the village was mentioned as Mustafabad only; Tankaria is not mentioned

anywhere. It proves that name of the village was Mustafabad until 1453 CE. This

Arabic epigraph/ inscription does not only provide the construction history of Jam-e-

Masjid, but it also provides us the proof that the name of the village in 1453 CE was

Mustafabad.

(Now it needs to find out in which year the name of the village changed from

Mustafabad to Tankaria and by whom? Hints: (1) As mentioned in the above reference

books and Government records, including the Archaeological Survey of India, the name

of our village in 1453 CE was Mustafabad (2) As per the statement of Dr Z.A. Desai,

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Director of Epigraphy working under Archaeological Survey of India, Mustafabad has

received new names during the pre- Mughal period, means before 1583 CE. (3) In

Heber’s Journal as mentioned below Reginald Heber stayed in Tankaria on April 09,

1825 CE, it means in 1825, CE the name of our village was Tankaria. Conclusion: New

naming of our village from Mustafabad to Tankaria must be after 1453 CE and most

probably before 1583 CE).

History of Tankaria village as mentioned in the Gazetteer of the Bombay

Presidency (Published in July 1899)

The Gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency, Volume IX, Part II, Gujarat Population:

Musalmans and Parsis published in July 1899. This volume on the People of Gujarat

includes two parts. Among two parts, the first part, “THE MUSALMANS” contributed by

Khan Bahadur Fazlullah Lutfullah Faridi, Assistant collector of customs, Bombay. In this

part, it is mentioned that Captain Ovans in one of the notebooks of the first Broach

Survey (1818 CE) given an account (Description of past events), which he had from

Vahoras of Tankaria.

According to that description, some of the Marwari prisoners of war were kept as

slaves by a Hindu chief. They were freed in the year 1618 CE by Muslim Emperor

Jahangir. To show their gratitude those Marwaris had become Muslim and in reward,

those Marwaris were settled on the waste lands in Gujarat.

Information related to newly converted Marwari Muslims recorded by Captain Ovans in

one of the notebooks of the first Broach survey was obtained from Vahoras of

Tankaria. It is understood that wisely and intentionally emperor Jahangir settled those

newly converted Marwari Muslims at largely Muslim populated villages of Gujarat like

Mustafad Tankaria to avoid any difficulties and for the ease of their remaining life as

Muslim.

As mentioned above in the official records of Archaeological Survey of India,

Government of India, Mustafabad Jam-e-Masjid built in the year 1453 CE during the

rule of Muzaffarid dynasty. It is also mentioned in other records that the name of the

village was Mustafabad. It means considerable Muslims were living in Mustafabad even

before 1453 CE so ruling authorities of that period shown their interest and built a very

big and beautiful masjid. Emperor Jahangir (Who freed those Marwari prisoners of war)

was born on 30 August 1569 CE and died on 8 November 1627 CE. He was the fourth

Mughal Emperor, who ruled from 1605 CE until his death in 1627. The conquest of

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Gujarat by the Mughal Empire from Muzaffarid dynasty was in 1583 CE. During the

ruling of Muzaffarid dynasty in the year 1453 CE when construction of Mustafabad

Jam-e-Masjid completed, Emperor Jahangir (Mentioned in Captain Ovans note) was not

even born. Of course mentioned converted Marwaris freed in 1618 CE by the Emperor

Jahangir were not original Muslim Vahora. They joined a Muslim Vahora community of

Gujarat specifically the Muslim community of villages like Mustafabad Tankaria.

Note: Captain Ovans real name was Charles Ovans. He was born in 1798 CE and died

in 1858 CE. Both in the Gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency, published in 1899 CE,

and in the Reginald Heber’s Journal, published in 1828 CE, name written as “Captain

Ovans” He was engaged in a first revenue survey of the Gujarat around 1818 CE to

1829 CE during the British rule in India. Captain Ovans handled superintending the

Land Survey operations.

Some events related to History of Tankaria recorded in the “Reginald Heber’s

Journal” (Published in 1828 CE)

Reginald Heber (Also known as Bishop Heber) was the Bishop of Calcutta. He travelled

from Calcutta to Delhi and from Delhi to Bombay in 1825 CE. He was one of the

famous travellers and treated as a VIP by the British officers in India. During his visit,

most District Collectors and other Government officers met him and were taking care

of him. At some stages of his journey, he has an escort of more than 50 horses.

Reginald Heber has started his journey from Delhi in January 1825 CE; he reached his

destination Bombay in April 1825 CE.

On his way to Bombay, he was in Baroda where he was the guest of Gaekwad

(Guicowar) family for a few days. From Baroda, he travelled to Kheda (Kaira) (Kheda

was large military station until 1830 CE). After visiting Kheda on his way to Bharuch

Reginald Heber stayed in Tankaria on April 09, 1825 CE. The name mentioned in the

Heber’s Journal is Tekaria. The route map and Heber’s description were reviewed

carefully. He reached Bharuch next day on April 10, 1825, CE. He reached Kim chokdi

on April 12, 1825, CE. By keeping in mind his travel rate per day, the route map of his

journey and Heber’s descriptions during his stay in Tankaria, it was concluded that

there was no any village like Tekaria near to Bharuch, so it must be Tankaria. First

Edition of the Journal published in 1828 CE, edited by Heber’s wife based on the travel

notes and letters wrote to her by Reginald Heber, so it is understood to have a

possibility of minor mistake. Cambridge University published the latest edition of this

journal.

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Also, another interesting thing noted related to Heber’s visit to Tankaria. As per the

description given by Reginald Heber, Captain Ovans (Ovans is the gentleman who met

people of Tankaria as mentioned in the Gazetteer as mentioned above) and Williamson

(Collector of Kheda District) met him and spent some time with Heber, on his way to

Kheda. Captain Ovans gained lots of information related to the people of Gujarat

during his survey work. It is mentioned that Ovans shares his experience with Heber

on his way to Kheda. Description related to Ovans, which is more than a half page in

the Heber’s Journal also give the impression that Heber was impressed by Ovans.

Maybe Heber was advised by Captain Ovans, so he visited Tankaria after his Kheda

visit. It seems that Heber’s Journey was well-planned and well-organized. He visited

most of the important places on his route. His visit to Tankaria gives the impression

that Tankaria should be a well-known village in 1825 CE.

It is mentioned in the Journal that land in the Tankaria and its surround villages were

mainly cultivated with cotton. The road was not in good condition in 1825 CE. Heber

also observed that the trees in this area were not so tall comparing to other areas.

The collector of Bharuch District sent 02 Vahora officers to guide and help Heber on his

way to Bharuch. After reviewing Heber’s description, it is believed they should be

Daudi or trading Vahora, and they should not be Vahora Patels (Landholders).

Part 02: Oral History (Oral Tradition)

Edited By: Nasir Ahmed Lotiya & Mustak Suleman Daula

We met 07 Tankarvis in the year 2007. Our narrators belong to Well-Known 04 groups

of families (04 Divisions/ Bhag) of our village.

(Note: Among below mentioned 07 Narrators, Ahmed Bhaloda, Musa Laheri and

Abdullah Bhad passed away. May Allah grant them a superior place in Jannatul

Firdaus).

Of course, they have seen Tankaria closer than us, and they have more information

about our History. The most common view of all our elders based on the chain of

communications through generations is as below.

“Some people of Dholka-Dhandhuka villages relocated to Tankaria.” No one knows for

how many years. From the groups of those relocated families and the locations of their

houses in Tankaria, they were divided into 04 main Divisions. (1) Bhad (2) Bukhad

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(3) Vaja (Mota Vaja) and (4) Suleman Vaja (Sullu Vaja Vaja or Nana Vaja). By those

04 divisions, the Tankaria was well-known as “Village of Four Brothers.”

NOTE: Dholka and Dhandhuka both are in the Ahmedabad District of Gujarat, India.

Dholka is 50 KM away from Nadiad in the direction of West. Dhandhuka is located

nearly West side of Dholka. The distance between Dholka and Dhandhuka is 62 KM.

Dholka and Dhandhuka were known as twin towns.

Tankarvis, who visited Dhandhuka for the business, told us that still there are same

names and surnames as we have in Tankaria.

Let us meet our elders.

Suleman Vaja (Sallu Vaja or Nana Vaja)

Ahmed Adam Ismail Mohammed Bhaiji Bhaloda

Date of birth: 04-01-1926

He belongs to Suleman Vaja division. His elders were known as Abhram Mitha, later

on, they were known as Bhaiji, and now they are known as Bhaloda.

Below is a summary of what he said.

We belong to Sallu Vaja. Mostly our elders like to use a word Sallu Vaja. Very few use

Suleman Vaja. In our groups of families starting from Kagrinatha Street, Bhaloda

Street, Nagia Street, all Bhuta families, Isapbapu Banglawala, Delawala, Miyaji,

Dhoriwala, Wadiwala, Dabger, Sattar, and Bhaloda belong to Sallu Vaja. Some family

members from Sallu Vaja relocated in the Vatersa village. They were Chati, Joli,

Bhaloda, and Bhuta.

Recalling his past, he said before the independence of India, one English officer came

to Tankaria, he wants to start one English Medium School, but all the people of

Tankaria opposed his proposal. People of Tankaria were favouring Mahatma Gandhi's

Swadeshi movement. Finally, they started English Medium School in Hansot village.

Some of our students were studying in Bharuch, and some were in Baroda. Tankaria

High School started in 1952, in Safri building. There was no power supply at that time.

We got the power supply in 1961-62. People were very poor during those times. We

were working on farms. “I studied up to class 05 in the Urdu Medium School.” Our

School known as “Tankaria Urdu Central Boarding School.” Students from neighbour

villages and even students from Vagra, Jambuser, and Ankleshwar were coming to

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Tankaria for the study. They were living in the “Central Boarding,” later on that

building was known as “Santole.”

(Note: As recorded in the report of the Director of Public Instruction “ There were only

a few Central Urdu Primary boarding schools for Muslims in the year 1917. Among

these are the District Local Board and Municipal Urdu primary school at Nasirabad in

the central division and central Urdu primary (Boarding) school at Tankaria in the

northern division of the Bombay Presidency).

At that time, Gulam master Bapuji was our Primary School teacher. His father Isap

Bapuji was a member of the District Local Board. He was living in Bharuch. Ibrahim

Master Rober Munshi, Gulam master Delawala, Musa master Delawala, Patel master,

Mohammed master Ghodiwala, Bakor Munshi and one Munshi from Dayadara were

working as teachers.

Recalling his memories he provides some information based on legends. He heard from

his elders that Hazrat Hafez Kabir R.A., who was a great saint from Village Zangar,

informed his followers that when I leave this world, one saint will come from the West

side. You will see him wearing a safety Jacket (Bakhtar). He will lead my funeral prayer

(Namaz-e-janaja). Later it was observed that the saint who lead the funeral prayer was

Ashraf Shah R.A. from Tankaria, who buried at Nana Padar at Tankaria.

He said that he heard from his elders that in 1856 CE, Engineers of British railway came

and began surveying for the laying railway tracks at Tankaria. Railway tracks supposed

to be laid near the Dargah of Songarshah R.A. ( The Back portion of The Tankaria High

School) and near to the Dargah of Pir Nashirshah R.A. (Between Tankaria and Kamboli).

Engineers got many troubles in those particular areas. At last, some wise people of

Tankaria provided advice that these Saints are not happy with railway tracks to be laid

near them. Then it was decided by British Engineers to reroute the railway tracks and

took a big curve near the Nandevar Village. (Note: The Bombay, Baroda, and Central

India Railway (B.B. & C.I.) was a company incorporated in 1855 CE to undertake the

task of constructing a railway line between Bombay and Vadodara. B.B. & C.I completed

the work in 1864)

About Golden Days

He said, in our time thick clothing called Jota/ Khadi were used by poor peoples, and

some rich people used to wear Patawala lengha (In his words). The price of Khadi was

a 5 Paisa/ yard (vaar). We must have to wear Khadi because of Gandhi’s direction.

When our clothing got a tear, we used to stitch it by using another small piece of cloth.

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It might be of different colour and quality. It was called, “Thingdu.” In our early day's

women used to wear Saari, some wear Lugdu (His wording). Recalling his memories,

he said at that time cost of deshi Juwwar (Great millet) for 40 kg was 01 Rupee. Some

poor people used to eat Red Juwwar. The price of wheat for 20 kg was 01 Rupee. The

cost for one tin of cooking oil was 06 Rupees and very interesting price of gold for 10

grams were only 20 Rupees. It means the cost for 1 gram was 2 Rupees only. Mostly

Bajri/Bajra (Pearl millet) purchased from Jambusar, Vagra, Padra and some interior

coastal villages of Vagra and Jambusar.

In those days, poverty ratio was too high. Most of the villagers used to go to the farm

for labour work (Majuri). When people go farms to work, the owners of the farms

collected the foods from the worker's home and at noon bring it to farms. We used to

eat together. Some of the workers used to eat rotla (Flatbread thicker in size made

from millet) with Onion, green chilly or Jaggary. Some used to eat red chilli powder

mixing with cooking oil and used to eat with rotla. When he was saying those words,

his eyes became wet. He said, “we were much happier compared to our present day

life. We look after our neighbours very well, and we used to share our happy moments

or time of sorrow with each other.”

At that time, there were shops owned by Umerji A small Khoda, Musebhai Bhim,

Ahmed Ishap Ipli, Alli Ishap Ipli, and Ahmed Muse Dhabu. At that time dry coconuts,

dry dates, Jaggary were very cheap. At that time, for marriage, we used bullock carts

(Gadu) for Baraat (Jaan). Sometimes we used 20 to 25 carts. For women, there were

separate carts. While raining season, we used to go by walking for the Baraat.

(Marriage)

Mode of transportation

Recalling his memory, he said at that time we did not have any Buses or other

vehicles. If we have to go to Bharuch, Karjan or Mumbai, first we need to go to the

Varediya railway station. Early in 1932-33, the only available transportation from

Tankaria to Varediya was bullock carts. There were three small bullock carts Known as

Damania. The owners of the bullock carts were (1) Fada dada (2) Muse Ahmed Bhuta

and (3) Dadabhai Bajibhai Karkariya. The existing fare was one Anna per passenger. At

that time, a railway fare from Varediya to Bharuch was 7 Paisa. All local Trains have

eight compartments. During that period, Railway operated by B.B. & C.I. Company.

During the Second World War, in 1940-41 railway employees demanded to raise their

salary and gave an ultimatum to the Government and inform the rulers that from the

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midnight we will stop all the trains on its way. At that time, British rulers ordered the

military to shoot at sight.

After some period instead of bullock carts, Horse carriages (Ghoda Gadi) were used as

transportation. In the beginning, there were three horse carts. The owners were (1)

Umerji Muse Abhram Daula (Grandfather of Mustak Daula) (2) Vali Muse Ghodiwala

and (3) Adambhai Tilva. After two to three years, there were associated 20 carts. Fare

from Tankaria to Varediya was 2 Anna.

During 1933 to 1940 in the dry season, there were two buses owned by Joli Seth run

between Tankaria to Bharuch. The bus route was Tankaria to Parkhet to Pariej to

Tralsa to Kothi to Kasad to Umraj to Sherpura to Fanta Talao at Bharuch. The fare was

7 Anna. Joli Seth's real name was Mohmedali Joli.

Now another division.

Bukhad

Haji Musa Yusuf Bagas Adam Laheri D.O.B. 12/11/1931

Haji Gulam Adam Abhram Ise Khandu D.O.B. 9/4/1936

Haji Ibrahim Valli Yusuf Kaduji was previously known as Rupiyawala

Above, three elders belong to Bukhad division.

According to them Miru, Laheri Street (Old name was Gotli Maholla), Kaduji Street

(Known as Goder Street at that time), Sapa Street, Sutariya, Daula, Barkaliya,

Babariya, Morli, Varu, Dashantwala, Natha, Nathalia including Ibrahimbhai Nathaliya,

Vasta, Laundrywala, belong to Bukhad division.

Recalling his past, Musa Yusuf Laheri said, “When Second World War started, at that

time I was eight years old.” Dawood Munshi from Sarod was his Primary School

teacher. In those days, Red Juwwar was brought by British officers from America. In

1946, there was a cholera epidemic spread in Tankaria. Two children (1) Gulam Vali

Abhram Manubarwala and (2) Son of Kara Ise Bhim were passed away due to cholera.

In 1948, there was a significant famine. At that time, most Tankarivis sold their brass

vessels, goats, and buffaloes. At that time, so many villagers left Tankaria and

relocated to the different areas in the Gujarat, mainly in Ahmedabad and Mumbai.

Some of the examples are Ahmed Adam Karbhari & Mohmed Umerji Dhabu relocated

to Mumbai. Chhela brothers, Musebhai Morli, and Alibhai Morli relocated to

Ahmedabad.

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They said when they were children most of the boys up to 4-5 years of age were not

using shoes or slippers. Senior citizens used to have Turban (Paghadi) on the head and

young generation at that time used to have Turkey Cap.

They said during that time in our village percentage of poverty was nearly 75. In the

tone like they were conveying their message to the youngsters, they said, “we had dry

rotla with a piece of onion, green chili, red chili or Jaggary as our food, but we were

too strong and hardworking grown up children.” During those times instead of

shampoo, we used black earth clay (Matodu) for washing hair. Before starting the rainy

season, we kept the stock of black earth clay at home for four months. According to

them, in Mota Padar there were a big well and bullocks drew water with a leather

bucket. Sanchawala Ishebhai was the operator, and he drew water from the well. In

his words “Kos chalavta hata.” The largest Tamarind Tree (Aambli) in Tankaria at that

time was known as Hajjar's Aambli.

Currency Units:

1 Paisa (Also known as Paise) = 3 Pies.

1 Anna = 4 Paisa = 12 Pies.

16 Anna = 64 Paisa = 192 Pies =1 Rupees.

1 Dhabu = 2 Paisa.2 Dhabu = 1 Anna. In general 50 Paisa referred as 8 Anna and 25

Paisa as 4 Anna.

Now another division.

Bhad

Abdullah Adam Ise Bagas Isap Bhad

Ali Ismail Ahmed Musa Bhama nowadays known as Ali Kamthi

Above elders belong to Bhad. Below is a summary of what they have said.

All Lalans, Ipli, Handli, Khida, Voraji, Khandhia, Bhad, Halalat, Chhela, Rakhda, Seth,

Dhabu, Gulam Patel, Dahelvi, Kadva, Chamad, Jatta, Chapti, Ganda, and all people of

Suthar Street belong to Bhad division.

Even at that time Bhad was the largest group of families, and they have their own

Graveyard (Kabrastan) known as “Bhadbhag Kabrastan” Till today it is known as

Bhadbhag Kabrastan. Our elders told us that Bhad meant Big, Motu.

14

There were five big families in Bhad (Subdivisions of main Bhad division) among that

five, one family left Tankaria and stayed at Kamboli. Up to early 80's if anyone died in

Kamboli village belong to that group of Bhad, he or she buried in Bhad Bhag graveyard

of Tankaria. In 1901, one member of Bhad who left Tankaria and stayed at Kamboli

had donated well to people of Tankaria to obtain water. According to them, our village

Panchayat started in 1940. Ishap Bapuji was the Sarpanch till India became

independent. There were 13 members of the Panchayat.

Hashampir Kabrastan (Graveyard) laid in 12 Bigha (Vingas) (1Bigha = 20 Bissa. In

traditional Gujarati people used to say “1 Vinga na 20 Vassa.”)

That time our surrounding village people from the west up to Samni village, East up to

Haldarwa, North up to Makan, South up to Hingalla, were used to call wise community

leaders of Tankaria village to resolve any matter of dispute among them.

Now another division.

Vaja (Mota Vaja)

Ibrahim Adam Musa Ismail Bapu Amanji Bhama nowadays Known as Lariya Circle

He belongs to Vaja. (Broadly known as “Mota Vaja”) According to him, Malji, Tilu,

Madhi, Dedka, All Lariya family, All Pipla Street, Abhli, Jet, Bhoja, Chavdi, Bha,

Manman (Whole Street), Jariwala, Dahya, All Ghodiwala family, Gordhan, Bacharwala,

and Khoda belong to Vaja. He said that we used to play Gilli Danda, Sawra, Kharpat,

Khokho, Kabaddi and Cricket when we were children.

In 1952, under the leadership of Muse Kara Gordhan (Now he is in Pretoria-Africa), we

made the Panj Maholla Committee (Committee for five Streets) we bought big degs

and all utensils to be utilised during the marriage. (Deg is the most commonly used

utensil to prepare community dinners in India).

He asked, do you know why we are known as Circle?

Then he replied himself, My father Adam Musa Ismail Lariya was working as Talati at

Palej, and then he got promoted and became a Circle Inspector for that region. My

father was known as Lariya Circle. Adam Musa Lariya Circle actively involved in the

construction of Masjids in Sagbara and Zaghadia, and he played a significant role. He

was also actively involved in the construction of Musafirkhana at Ankleshwar. He

retired in 1969 and joined in Tankaria Masjid- Madrasa committee up to his death in

1987.

15

Part 03: Tankaria and Tankarvis

Edited By: Nasir Ahmed Lotiya

Famous personalities of Tankaria

Freedom Fighters: Mahatma Kabir, Musa Esa Captain, Adam Ismail Mustafabadi,

Ibrahim Nayak, and Dr Ali Ghodiwala.

Freedom Fighter Musa Esa Captain: “Communication from Mr. Musa Esa Captain,

Honorary Secretary of Anjamane Shaukatul Islam and Khilafat Committee Tankaria,

India received by the Permanent Mandates Commission of United Nations on June 7th,

1930” and it was discussed at the meeting.

This official record can be found on page 216 of the minutes of the seventeenth session

held at the United Nations headquarter at Geneva from June 3rd to June 21st, 1930.

Musa Esa Captain was imprisoned in the Nagpur Central Jail for around seven months.

Gandhiji was also in the Nagpur Central jail.

Doctors: Dr Alibhai Ghodiwala, Dr Shukla Girjaprashad Shankar, Dr Mohammad I.

Miyanji, Dr Yusuf M. Khoda, Dr Basir I. Manman, Dr Munaf Miyanji, Dr Salim Miyanji,

Dr Lukman Hingallawala, Dr Siraj Khandhiya, Dr Sajid Banglawala, Dr Mariyam

Manman, Dr Sameer Miyanji, Dr Imran Bachha, Dr Suhel Majid Ambherwala (Dentist),

Dr Azaz Kidi, Dr Yusuf Chhela (Bharuch), Dr Ikram Bachcha and Dr Firoz Aiyub Miyanji

(Canada)

Poets: Adam Tankarvi, Aziz Tankarvi, Daud Khandhiya, Iqbal Ughradar, Kadam

Tankarvi, Mahek Tankarvi, Mubarak Adam Ghodiwala, Munshi Tankarvi, Sadik

Ughradar, and Zakir Tankarvi.

Politicians: Dr Ali Ghodiwala (Member, Bombay Legislative assembly and President of

Bharuch District Muslim League), Isap Bapuji (Member, Bharuch District Local Board)

Mohammed Musa Master (Member, Bharuch District Local Board), Yakub Popat

Vakil/Lawyer (Member, Bharuch Taluka Panchayat), Gulam Umerji Ghodiwala

(President, Bharuch Taluka Panchayat), Saeed Bapuji (Member, Bharuch District

Panchayat), Makbul Abhli (Member, Bharuch District Panchayat) and Abdullah

Ghodiwala/ Lalla. (Member, Bharuch Taluka Panchayat).

Note: Information related to Dr Ali Ghodiwala and Mohammed Musa Master has taken

from Patel Directory, Compiled by Ibrahim Dadabhai “Bekar’’.

16

Organisations/ Institutes :

Gram Panchayat Tankaria

Compiled By: Nasir Lotiya

Village Panchayat leaders (Sarpanchs):

A Sarpanch is an elected head (In few cases selected head) of a village-level institution

known as Gram Panchayat (Village governing Body/ Village Panchayat) in India. In

general, new Sarpanch is elected after completion of every five years by all the people

of the village. The Sarpanch, together with other elected members (Panchs), constitute

the Gram Panchayat. The Sarpanch is the focal point of contact between government

officers and the village community. Gram Panchayat is one of the oldest forms of Village

governing body in India. Before there were only five members in Village Panchayat. Sar,

meaning head and panch meaning five, gives the meaning head of the five decision

makers of the gram panchayat of the village. Now the number of members depends on

the population of Village.

Tankaria Village Panchayat leaders (Sarpanchs):

FROM UP TO NAME OF SARPANCH

1/4/1941 20/1/1949 Isap Bapuji Khalu

22/1/1949 04/3/1949 Isap Mahmad Sapa

5/3/1949 08/7/1952 Ismail Ali Chairman

9/7/1952 12/9/1956 Mahmad Musa Master

13/1/1956 12/10/1956 Isap Mahmad Sapa

13/10/1956 31/12/1956 Mahmad Musa Master

1/1/1957 16/6/1957 Isap Mahmad Sapa

17/6/1957 16/8/1957 Ismail Vali Abhli

17/8/1957 6/8/1958 Isap Mahmad Sapa

7/8/1958 15/10/1960 Ismail Vali Abhli

17

16/10/1960 7/1/1961 Yakubbhai Vahivatdar

(Administrator)

8/1/1961 1/8/1961 Ismail Vali Abhli

2/8/1961 31/10/1965 Gulam Ahmed Patel

01/11/1965 8/10/1970 Ahmed Suleman Patel

9/10/1970 30/6/1971 Mahmad Ibrahim Ghogha

1/7/1971 15/7/1977 Suleman Haji Bhuta

16/7/1977 16/7/1984 Musa Isap Delawala

17/7/1984 11/10/1987 Ahmed Ismail Madhi

22/10/1987 26/11/1987 Musa Isap Delawala

27/11/1987 25/7/1988 Rustam Vali Lalan

26/7/1988 15/10/1988 Ismail Yusuf Sapa

16/10/1988 3/4/1989 Rustam Vali Lalan

4/4/1989 1/8/1989 Ismail Yusuf Sapa

2/8/1989 24/11/1991 Rustam Vali Lalan

25/11/1991 22/3/1992 Daud Bajibhai Bhuta

23/3/1992 30/11/1992 Rustam Vali Lalan

1/12/1992 30/11/1997 Daud Bajibhai Bhuta

1/12/1997 14/1/1998 G.R. Chavda (Administrator-

Vahivatdar)

15/1/1998 20/10/2000 Mehbub Vali Larya

21/10/2000 14/1/2001 Gulam Ahmed Suleman Patel

18

15/1/2001 14/1/2003 Mehbub Vali Larya

15/1/2003 19/3/2003 M.S. Vankar

20/3/2003 26/5/2004 Ahmed M. Khoda

27/5/2004 17/6/2004 Siraj Ahmed Ghodiwala

18/6/2004 21/5/2005 Ahmed M. Khoda

22/5/2005 25/8/2005 Siraj Ahmed Ghodiwala

26/8/2005 4/7/2006 Ahmed M. Khoda

5/7/2006 30/10/2006 Abdulsamad Ibrahim Patel

31/10/2007 16/6/2007 Ahmed M. Khoda

17/6/2007 11/10/2007 Abdulsamad Ibrahim Patel

12/10/2007 7/12/2007 Ahmed M. Khoda

8/12/2007 18/3/2008 Abdulsamad Ibrahim Patel

17/4/2008

17/1/2010

8/12/2012

29/9/2009

24/8/2012

17/3/2013

Aarif Gulam Mohamed Patel

Aarif Gulam Mohamed Patel

Aarif Gulam Mohamed Patel

25/8/2012 7/12/2012 Altaf Yusuf Robar (Bhima)

30/9/2009 16/1/2010 Gulam Musa Bhuta (Babu

Master)

18/3/2013

16/9/2014

15/10/2014

15/9/2014

14/10/2014

Till To Date

Iqbal Ali Kabir

Altaf Umarji Ganda

Iqbal Ali Kabir

19

Best Village Panchayat (Gram Panchayat) Competition: Tankaria Panchayat gets

Award for the Second Rank in the Bharuch Taluka. Date:16/11/2011.

20

Tankaria Panchayat gets "Clean Village, Healthy Village Award" and Rupees 200000/

Cash on 16/11/2011.

21

Tankaria Primary School for Boys (Kumar Shala)

Primary School for Boys (Kumar Shala)- Photo Credit: Mustak Daula

Tankaria Primary School for Girls (Kanya Shala): To be edited

The Tankaria High School Tankaria. (Secondary and Higher Secondary School)

22

The Tankaria Welfare Society, UK

Compiled By: Nasir Lotiya

Constitution of The Tankaria Welfare Society UK adopted on 25th December 1984

Charity registered on 29th January 1985

Registered charity number: 290979

The Tankaria Welfare Society Uk's method of operation:

Makes grants to organisations

Provides other finance

Makes grants to individuals

What services The Tankaria Welfare Society UK provides:

The advancement of health or saving of lives

Economic/community development/employment

The prevention or relief of poverty

General charitable purposes

Education/training

Disability

The Tankaria Welfare Society UK provides services to:

Elderly/old people

People with disabilities

Children/young people

The general public/mankind

Where The Tankaria Welfare Society Uk operates:

India

The Tankaria Welfare Society UK's charitable objectives:

To relieve poverty and sickness and to preserve and protect the health and to advance

education amongst the inhabitants of Tankaria, Tal & Dist broach, India.

Mustafabad Youth Club- Tankaria

Mustafabad Industrial Training Institute- Tankaria (M.I.T.I)

Edited By: Nasir Lotiya

The Mustafabad Industrial Training Institute Tankaria (M.I.T.I) established in the year

1986. It was the first I.T.I. in the Bharuch Taluka. In 1986, there was no any nearby

I.T.I not even in the Bharuch city.

23

I.T.I. Tankaria affiliated to National Council For Vocational Training (NCVT), New Delhi,

Ministry of labour and Welfare, Government of India. M.I.T.I. is Government Granted

I.T.I. managed under the Grant In Aid Code. Institute’s trained Technicians are

working all around Gujarat. Some Technicians are working outside Gujarat and some

are working abroad.

In the year, 2005-2007 Institute also trained employees of “National Thermal Power

Corporation” (NTPC) in the Fitter trade. Some of the reputed I.T.I. Passed Technicians

trained by this institute are Rafiq Dahya and Mohammed Mukerdam. Both successful

Building contractors of our village trained by Tankaria I.T.I in the Draftsman Civil

trade.

Many Institute Trainees are working with Gujarat Electricity Board (G.E.B). Our

Electrician (Helper) Hanif Godar working with G.E.B. also trained by this Institute. So

many Fitter trade’s Technicians trained by this institute are working in the reputed

leading companies in Gujarat. Some of our I.T.I. Passed Technicians are also working

in gulf countries.

I.T.I. Technicians who passed the final exam (All India Trade Test) and having N.C.V.T

certificate (National Certificate) are eligible to work as a “Skilled Technician” in many

countries. All India Trade Test (Final Exam after completing two years course) for all

trades is conducted every year by The National Council for Vocational Training at the

same time in all the states of India.

N.C.V.T. Certificates are also considered valid in many countries to apply for the Work

Visa. I.T.I. passed Technicians with experience are mostly working in the Gulf

Countries and other Countries with good salary. I.T.I. Passed Technicians those having

a good experience and having IELTS certificate are also eligible to apply for the

Immigration Visa on the point-based systems. (i.e. Canada, New Zealand etc.)

N.C.V.T Affiliated Trades and Batches

1. Fitter Trade- 03 Batches

2. Wireman Trade- 02 Batches

3.Draftsman Civil Trade- 01 Batch

4. Cutting & Tailoring (For Girls)- 01 Batch

Note: Draftsman Civil Trade and Cutting & Tailoring Trade are now closed due to

higher unemployment ratio in these trades.

24

Subjects for Fitter & Wireman Trade

1. Trade Theory

2. Trade Practical (Workshop Training)

3. Engineering Drawing

4.Workshop Calculation & Science

5. Social Studies

Syllabus & Examinations:

There is a Common N.C.V.T. Syllabus for All India Trades.

Examinations: “All India Trade Test” Conducted every year in July by N.C.V.T. in all the

states of India. An Internal trade test conducted at institute levels every four months.

Language for Examination Papers: English & Hindi

Fees for two-year Fitter & Wireman Trade Course

In addition to the Government grant, General and OBC Category Trainees have to pay

nominal fees of Rupees 2775/- for the two years Course. Which includes Exam fees,

Library fees, etc. Under the Government Fee Waiver programme and policies, the

trainees belong to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SCs & STs) are even

exempted from this nominal fee.

Arc Welding Machine used in Fitter Workshop.

25

Lathe Machine used in Fitter Trade Workshop

Computer Lab

Short Duration Courses

1. Computer for Beginners 2. Two Wheeler’s Repairing (Scooter/Motorbike)

26

The Tankaria Baitulmal Committee

Compiled By: Nasir Lotiya

The Tankaria Baitulmal Committee (Bait-ul-Maal) is working in Tankaria since May

1991. The Tankaria Baitulmal Committee is helping orphans, widows, divorced women

and, poor people of Tankaria. M.D. Rakhda Saheb (Retired High School Teacher) is

continually working and putting all his efforts in such a noble work. He is also getting

supports from other committee members.

At present 58 needy orphans, widows and divorced women are getting groceries

of 300 Rupees + 200 Rupees cash = 500 Rupees help every month.

Another 72 needy are getting groceries of 300 Rupees every month as a help.

Day by day prices of food items increasing in India. Life becomes tough, specifically for

them, those are living below the poverty line. We all need to think seriously about it

and we must contribute to this work. This is really the best and organised way to help

needy of our community. This is really the great vision of Tankaria Baitulmal

Committee. This is an example to be followed by our community.

If yet not contributed, please think about it seriously and please start contributing to

this noble work. The Tankaria Baitulmal Committee is accepting Zakat, Sadkat, Khairat

and, Lillah amounts. May Allah reward them those who are working hard with such a

noble spirit. May Allah reward all contributors.

Founding Members :

Late Umar Faruq Musa Chamad. (Ex- Chairman)

Mr M.D. Rakhda

Mr Ibrahim Mohammad Manman

Mr Abdul Sattar Nagia

Mr Mohammad Umarji Rakhda -Tailor

Mr Abdulmajid Zangharia

Dr Yusuf Musa Khoda

Mr Sikandar Faruq Chamad (Chairman)

Below are the samples of “Food Rationing Coupons” which were given to those

orphans, widows, divorced women and, needy on the monthly basis. In general Food

27

Rationing Coupons are given within the first five days of each month. This Coupon can

be exchanged for the food items (Groceries) at the designed shops in Tankaria.

A sample of Grocery Coupon given to needy every month.

The concept of “Food Rationing Coupons” was first introduced by caliph-Sayyidina-

Umar-bin-al-Khattab (Al Faruq) Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu.

Anjuman-e-Nusratul Muslimeen & Anjuman Hospital Tankaria

Compiled By: Iqbal Bhutawala

28

29

Anjuman Hospital Future Plan

30

Mohaddise Azam Mission & Mohaddise Azam Mission High School- Tankaria

I.N.Vidyalay- Tankaria

Religious Institutes

Tankaria Post Office

Bank of Baroda- Tankaria Branch

Bharuch District Cooperative Bank- Tankaria Branch

State Bank of India (SBI)- Tankaria Branch-13543

C/O MADRAS-AE-MUSTAFIAYA.

TANKARIA (TAL.BHARUCH) DIST. BHARUCH-392240.

GUJARAT.

PH.:00912642 270000

Email: sbi.13543@sbi.co.in

IFSC- SBIN0013543

SWIFT Code- SBININBB202

Branch Code- 13543

MICR- 392002505

31

Tankaria Photo Gallery

Compiled By: Nasir Lotiya

Arial View of Tankaria Historical Village- Photo Credit: Hanif Yakub Khoda

Main Marketplace- Photo Credit: Mustak Daula

32

Main Marketplace- Photo Credit: Musta Daula

Progressive Tankaria- Photo Credit: Iliyas Ghodiwala

33

Progressive Tankaria- Photo Credit: Iliyas Ghodiwala

Progressive Tankaria- Photo Credits: Iliyas Ghodiwala/Iqbal Chati

34

Progressive Tankaria- Photo Credit: Sabbir Bhuta

Progressive Tankaria- Photo Credit: Sabbir Bhuta

35

Progressive Tankaria- Photo Credits: Iliyas Ghodiwala and Iqbal Chati

Progressive Tankaria- Photo Credits: Iliyas Ghodiwala and Iqbal Chati

36

Progressive Tankaria- Photo Credits: Iliyas Ghodiwala and Iqbal Chati

Government Hospital- Photo Credit: Mustak Daula

37

Dargah Jumman Shah R.A. - Photo Credit: Mustak Daula

Dargah Jummanshah R.A. - Photo Credit: Mustak Daula

38

Tankaria New look at night - Photo Credit: Mustak Daula

HISTORY OF TANKARIA (Another Perspective)

Edited By: Shakil Abdullah Bha

Narrated by the late Ahmed Munshi

Our narrator is Mr Ahmed Munshi (known as Chati Master – “Dada”). He was

recognised by Ibrahim Dadabhai “Bekar” in his Patel Directory, written in 1955. After

college, Mr Ahmed Munshi started his career as a teacher in 1940 at Rander (near

Surat). He started with a monthly salary of Rs 15, but amazingly, he managed to save

Rs 10. Bekar was his principal at MMP (Madrasiya Muhammadiya Piperdiwala) School at

the time. On 14 June 1941, he was transferred to the village of Ikhar to work. He

relocated to Ikhar in 1948 because of his work. Later on, in 1955, he was once again

transferred to Tankaria High School. His wife, Mrs Amina Munshi was also a teacher.

She retired in 1978.

39

In 1980, Mr Ahmed Munshi was selected as a Tribal Subclass Officer. He was also the

President of the Tankaria Retired Members Committee until 1985 and worked together

with the district Panchayat to solve the pension problems of retirees. In December

1985, he moved to Chicago, USA with his wife and son, Mr Hanif Munshi, but

remained an active member of the Gujarat State Pension Committee, Vadodara.

Mr Ahmed Munshi passed away on 13 March 2012 in Chicago at the age of 90 after a

short illness. He was the second oldest man in the history of Tankaria. He lived all his

life helping others and never felt tired smiling. Whenever you saw him, he was always

smiling. Whenever he met anyone, he displayed the smile of an innocent child who

had met one of his most loved friends. In his life as a teacher, he not only helped

his students reach high goals in life, but he helped their parents too. He helped the

poor villagers where he was just a visitor or a teacher in the school. He helped the

needy and illiterate people in filling out forms and getting their benefits from the

Government. Even at the age of 88 – 89, he worked at the local masjid as a volunteer.

Now, read the history of Tankaria in his words, the words of a person who has seen

Tankaria more closely than anyone else. TANKARIA, was a village of four brothers:

BHAD, BUKHAD, NANA VAJA (younger VAJA) and MOTA VAJA (older VAJA). People say

that the brothers came from near Ahmedabad. No one knows exactly where. These

four brothers laid the foundation stone for the village of Tankaria many, many

centuries ago. Therefore, most families in Tankaria belong to these four brothers.

BHAD BUKHAD NANA VAJA

(SULEMAN VAJA) MOTA VAJA

The people of Mota

Padar belong to

Bhad*

The people of

Pipaliya Street

belong to Bukhad

Bapuji, Bhaloda,

Bhuta, Chati,

Dehlawala,

Jolly, Miyanji, Paya,

and Sapa all belong

to Nana Vaja

Ghodiwala family

belong to Mota

Vaja

Famous person

from this group:

Ismail Umarji Bhuta

Famous person

from this group:

Dr Alibhai Patel

* This is why Mota Padar Graveyard is called Bhad Bhag Graveyard.

40

As we are talking about the family tree, let’s look at some details about the other

families of Tankaria. Some of the biggest families in Tankaria are Banglawala,

Bhutawala and Ghodiwala. Let’s look at the Banglawala (Miyanji) family. Our author,

Mr Ahmed Munshi’s full name is

Master Ahmed Vali Musa Muhammad Umarji Miyanji

Many, many years ago there were two huge bungalows in Tankaria; one was in the

West, which belonged to Musa Bapu Dehlawala, and the other was in the East, which

belonged to Bagas Umarji Miyanji (remember this).

In the Miyanji family, there were two brothers: Muhammad Umarji and Bagas Umarji.

Bagas Umarji’s sons were called Banglawala. Why? Because he had a big bungalow!

MUHAMMAD UMARJI MIYANJI BAGAS UMARJI MIYANJI

His family was later called “Chati” His family was later called “Banglawala”

MUSA BAJIBHAI YUSUF VALI MUSA

MUH

AM-

MAD

ADAM

VALI ISMAIL YUSUF MUHAM-

MAD IBRAHIM DAWOOD AKUJI MUSTAN

No son.

One

daught

er in

London

, UK

ADAM

He

moved

to

Vatarsa

perman

ently.

That’s

why

there is

a big

Chati

family

in

Vatarsa

41

Now let’s look at the other big family of Tankaria the Bhutawala family.

IBRAHIM BHUTA

KARA IBRAHIM BAJIBHAI IBRAHIM UMARJI IBRAHIM ISAP IBRAHIM YUSUF

IBRAHIM

It was said that,

every week, Kara

Ibrahim used to

visit the four

corners of the

village on his

horse and looked

after the public

wells. He also

stopped the illegal

possession of land

Ismail Umarji

Bhuta

Musa Ismail

Bhuta

Note: We request anyone with more information about the Bhutawala family to send it

to sab@mytankaria.com. Please provide us with full names and any other interesting

facts.

Religious Institutions

Jam-e-Masjid

42

Jam-e-Masjid, Mota Bazaar, Tankaria: Tankaria’s Jam-e-Masjid was built during the

rule of King Qutub Abdul Muzaffar Ahmed Shah Sultan. The masjid (mosque) was built

under the supervision of the King’s young representative, Sayyed Ataullah, on 9th

Rabi-ul-Awwal Hijri 857. This means that the masjid is over 570 years old and,

according to some elders’ knowledge, the foundation of the minaret (shown above) is

about 35 to 45 feet deep into the earth. This huge masjid was reconstructed in 1977.

It can accommodate approximately 1,500 – 2,000 people at one time.

Who were the Big Four?

Back then, we did not have any banks in Tankaria, so the masjid’s money was kept

safe in a locker inside the masjid. No one could open the lock until the ‘Big Four’ sat

together. Who were the ‘Big Four’? They were mutawallis (trustees) from the four

bhags (parts) of Tankaria. Godar Dosa was one of them and he had the responsibility

of keeping the key to the locker. He was very popular amongst the villagers. It was

said that he had a license to cultivate opium for medicinal purposes. The other

members of the four were: Kara Ibrahim Bhuta, Ismail Isa Dehlawala and a fourth

person (please let us know if you know the name of the fourth person).

Masjid Locker

Four Mutawallis

Godar Dosa Kara Ibrahim Bhuta Ismail Isa

Dehlawala ?

Note: We request anyone with more information about the Godar family to send it

to sab@mytankaria.com. Please provide us with full names and any other interesting

facts.

Tombs

Jam-e-Masjid, Mota Bazaar, Tankaria:

Tankaria is bordered by the tombs of Valis (people who devoted their lives to Almighty

Allah and Islam). On one side, we have Hasham Pir Baba, on the other side we have

Ashraf Shah Baba and on the third side we have Jumma Shah Baba. Even inside the

Jam-e-Masjid there are two tombs. There are some very interesting facts about these

people and their lives.

43

A few decades ago, when they were rebuilding the Jam-e-Masjid, a stone was removed

from one of the tombs accidentally. What did people see? People who were present at

the time saw fresh flowers and an unstained cloth. It seemed like someone had been

buried just a few hours ago. Ibrahim Sapa Hafezi, who was in charge of the

reconstruction of the masjid, immediately asked the builders to put the stone back.

Next time that you visit Tankaria, doesn't forget to visit this tomb.

Ashraf Shah Baba, Nana Padar, Tankaria

1. People say Ashraf Shah Baba used to work as a muazzin (the person who makes the

call to prayer) at the Jam-e-Masjid. He was well known and very well respected

amongst the community. One person (name unknown) who used to live with Ashraf

Shah Baba assisted him to welcome the many guests that visited him and helped him

with his daily duties.

Ashraf Shah Baba

In that time, Tankaria was not connected by roads. People had to travel to Bharuch or

Varediya by foot or by horse. The person who was living with Ashraf Shah Baba would

pick up and drop off the guests from and to nearby transportation points. Ashraf Shah

Baba always asked him “Did you ask for anything from my guests?” He answered “No”

all the time.

One day Ashraf Shah Baba asked him to go to Bharuch. During his walk to Bharuch, a

thought came to his mind, a thought to acting like a blind person. So, he walked a few

minutes with his eyes closed. When he came back from Bharuch, Ashraf Shah Baba

asked him “Did you get blind at a certain point in your journey?” He said, “Yes”. Then

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Ashraf Shah Baba said “It wasn’t in your luck”. People say it was a gold brick that he

missed during those few minutes that he acted as a blind person.

2. In another incident, people saw something that was unbelievable. Jam-e-Masjid has

a big hoz (pool for making ablution) and a deep well. This well has now been covered

up for safety reasons, as it was no longer needed due to the improvements in the

village water system. In those days, we did not have pipelines and people had to go to

the well to bring water for drinking and other activities. In our masjid, this

responsibility was given to Ashraf Shah Baba, who had to pull the buckets of water and

fill up the hoz. He had to do this every night to make the hoz ready for making wudhu

(ablution) at the next morning’s Fajr salat (prayer).

However, people noticed something very strange. They never heard the sound of the

bucket coming out of the well (as a bucket tied with a rope makes a distinct noise

when pulled on the metal ring). Still, they would find the hoz filled with water every

morning. So, the people decided to investigate this situation out of curiosity. One day,

they hid behind the wall and watched what Ashraf Shah Baba was doing. Ashraf Shah

Baba continued praying after Isha salat. He did not stop until midnight. When everyone

left, he went to the well. What people saw was unbelievable. The water level rose on

its own and Ashraf Shah Baba filled the hoz in no time.

How? Why? Ashraf Shah Baba devoted most of his time to the ibadat (worship) of

Allah. He did not want to waste his time and people say that was the reason Allah

helped him with his job. He rose the water level up so that His believer could spend

most of his time in ibadat.

If we assess our life, we realise that we make excuses for not doing ibadat. We

miss our salat because we have to go to work or we have to look after our

businesses and shops. We have forgotten what our Prophet (peace be upon him)

taught us. May Almighty Allah guide us to the right path. Ameen.

People and Life

Tankaria has always been first in new developments, whether it be higher education,

sports, art or literature. Tankaria has produced more teachers, engineers, sportsmen,

doctors, pharmacists and writers than any other village in the Bharuch district. Dr

Alibhai Patel, a Tankarvi, was the first doctor in the Vahora community. The first

Vahora to play at the national level was a Tankarvi. A Tankarvi was one of the very few

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to go for further education to England before independence. Amongst the villages of

the Bharuch district, the first high school was opened in Tankaria. These honours go to

Tankaria because our forefathers worked really hard. They had a vision, enthusiasm, a

strong belief in themselves and above all, love … love for their land. So, let’s talk about

these people, their lives, their hard work and their love for Tankaria.

Before independence (1947), education at the Tankaria School was primarily in Urdu.

Gujarati was an optional subject. Isap Bapuji’s building was used for boarding.

Students from the Bharuch district would come for Urdu education. The Bharuch

District Board would provide them with free boarding and food. After independence,

the Government of Gujarat made Gujarati a mandatory subject and Urdu became

optional. So, the boarding building was no longer needed. It was later used as a house

by Isap Bapuji’s children.

Isap Bapuji was the Sarpanch (elected leader) of Tankaria for a long time. He was a

very kind and popular person. His grandson is Saeed Bapuji, a teacher at Tankaria

High School and local leader.

In approximately 1857, two brothers from the Kabir family came to Tankaria. They

were freedom fighters. At that time, it was illegal to shelter any person who was

involved in activity against the British Empire. Despite this, Musa Ibrahim Khoda

granted them shelter. The two brothers asked every family in Tankaria to give one

child for freedom fighting. Their famous slogan was “Beta ki jaan khilafat may dedo”

(give your son’s life in the political protest campaign).

The life before independence was hard, but inflation was at its lowest. A teacher’s

monthly wage was Rs 15.

Rs 1 = 16 Ana.

500g Meat = 4 Ana.

Grocery = Rs 1.

3 storey building for rent = Rs 5 per month.

Tankaria to Varediya horse carriage ride = 4 Ana.

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You can imagine how cheap everyday items were. Transportation was very cost

effective too. We didn’t have buses and the nearest railway station was Varediya

(thanks to the British Government). There were horse carriages to carry passengers

from Tankaria to Varediya and vice versa. Devram Mota was the President of the Horse

Carriage Association. Six to seven passengers could travel at one time. The cost was 4

Ana per person. One trip would make Rs 1.7 for the horse carriage owner. Since the

last train was at 8 pm, and all the commuters would come at that time, they would

take horse carriages to get to Tankaria.

Don’t we still follow that tradition? The last train still comes at the same time … only

the name has been changed. Now it is called the Bhaktani Express from Vadodara to

Palej. Buses and rickshaws have replaced horse carriages and it costs Rs 7 – 10 to get

to Tankaria from Palej.

As we are talking about the people and their lives, let’s talk more about some

Tankarvis in detail.

“Janaab” Muhammad Valli Pavariya: Back then, he was the personal assistant of the

Nawaabs* of Junaghad. He had the kind of reputation that people would dream of. He

had a car and, whenever he visited Tankaria, people used to say “Hati jazo, Pawariya

ni car aavi” (move out of the way, Pavariya’s car is coming). You can read more about

his son, “Janaab” Ibrahim Muhammad Valli Pavariya, in our extract from Bekar’s Patel

Directory. He represented the Gujarat state at the National Cadet Cops.

Adam Ismail “Mustufabadi”: He was a very famous name among Tankarvis. He had

a clothing business. After coming from Africa, he started a clothing business in

Tankaria. On any occasion in Tankaria, you could expect his speech. You can see his

picture in our Sweet Memories photo album.

Dr Alibhai Patel: You can read about his life in our extract from Bekar’s Patel Directory.

He was the first certified doctor from the Vahora community. His clinic was in

Ankleshwar. He was also the president of the Muslim League.

The people of Tankaria still remember the wedding ceremony of his son. When his son

got married, he invited the entire village and hired a team of professionals for the

fireworks display. There were fireworks in every street of Tankaria. In addition, he

hired the ‘Gayakwad Band’ (a very famous musical group during those days) for

the entertainment of the villagers. There was a ‘Fulku’* all night long.

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After India gained independence from its British rulers, he went to Pakistan with his

family.

Khatki Munshi: He was the principal of Tankaria Primary School. He was very clever

and would remember the handwriting of a person just by looking at it once. He would

recognise that handwriting the next time he saw it. His daughter was a doctor and she

lived in Ahmedabad for a while. According to the latest information, his family now

lives in Chicago, USA. His granddaughter is married to Gani Seth Khandhiya’s son,

Fayaz Khandhiya.

Musa Mukardam Patel: There is a very interesting story about Musa Mukardam Patel.

According to our narrator, Mr Ahmed Munshi, Musa Mukardam Patel used to keep a

diary with him all the time. After every Zohar salat he would ask the Dariya

Vahu (midwife) about any newborn babies in the village. He would write down the birth

dates of those babies along with their family names. On the fourth day, he would ask

the Dariya Vahu what names were given to those babies by their families and he noted

them down in his diary too. Mr Ahmed Munshi said that he had seen his date of birth in

Musa Mukardam Patel’s diary.

Musa Mukardam Patel had two sons. Ahmed Patel and Ali Patel.

What interesting people … what caring natures … hats off to them!* Nawaabs: Before

independence, India was divided into territories. Every territory was ruled by a King or

Nawaab who would come under the direct control of the British Empire.

* Fulku: A tradition in which a group of people would play traditional music

using drums. It usually starts after sunset.

_______________UNDER CONSTRUCTION________________

MORE PARTS WILL BE ADDED IN THE FUTURE EDITIONS.