Mistri (caste)

The Mistri or Mistris are a Hindu caste found in state of Gujarat in India.^[1][2]

Names of casts known as Mistri

There are two different casts by same name:-

1) Mistri, Mistri Rathod, Mistri Gurjar^[1] - which are identified as Mistris, a community originally from Kutch.

2) Mistri-Suthar^[1] - which is another name of Suthar community of Gujarat.

Mistris of Kutch

Main article: Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas

The Mistris ( a.k.a. Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas )^[2] are a community of Kutch, who migrated into Kutch in early 7th Century from Rajasthan to Saurashtra region of Gujarat and then in 12th Century they entered Kutch and first established themselves at Dhaneti and later moved on to establish nineteen villages given to them by erstwhile rulers of Kutch. The names of these villages are Anjar, Sinugra, Khambhra, Nagalpar, Khedoi, Madhapar, Hajapar, Kukma, Galpadar, Reha, Vidi, Ratnal, Jambudi, Devaliya, Lovaria, Nagor, Meghpar, Chandiya and Kumbharia.^[3][4]

They are a community of Rajput or Kshatriya warriors and a minority Hindu Community of Gujarat, who are famous architects of most of historical monuments of Princely State of Cutch. They are also famous designers of buildings and bridges^{[2][5][6][7][8]}

Mistri Suthar

Main article: Suthar

Suthar community of Gujarat, are also known as Mistri or Mistri Suthar.^[1] They are a Hindu community belonging to Vishwakarma group.

Other Backward Class

The Mistri and Mistri Suthar have been clubbed together and included in Other Backward Class community of Gujarat by Bakshi Panch.^[1] Both communities are given OBC Certificate in name of Mistri only.

Use as Surname

Main article: Mistry (Surname)

Meaning of word Mistri

Main article: Mistri

The word Mistri &/or Mistry means ‘skilled artisan’ in Gujarati, adopted in Gujarati language from Portuguese language mestre meaning ‘master’, ‘expert’.^[9] The Portuguese were present in Gujarat ( Diu ) since 1500. It is said these Mistris & Kadias worked in building of Diu Fort and Portuguese seeing their expertise called them mestre,^[10][11] which word was since then adopted in Gujarati language - literally meaning : Master Builder or Master Mason in Gujarati language.

The word Mistri or Mistry in Gujarat is identified with people involved in Building Construction.

Mistri besides carpenter ( for Suthar community ) also meant Contractor^[12] ( mainly for Mistris of Kutch - majority of whom worked as Railway, PWD & Forest Contractors during British India )

See also

• Mistri
• Kadia Kshatriyas
• Kadia (community)
• Suthar
• Mistry
• Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas

References

1. ^ ^{a b c d e} Mistri Encyclopaedia of Backward Castes By Neelam Yadav Page 316.
2. ^ ^{a b c} Mistris also known as Gurjar Kshatriyas came to Kutch from Rajasthan. They are skilled in Building construction.They are famous designers and developers of buildings and bridges.
3. ^ [1]
4. ^ History of KGK Samaj with download links of PDF of some pages of Kumar Ganti History Book :1896 and others
5. ^ Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas founded 18 villages named..
6. ^ village, one of the 18 of the ‘mistry gams’ or craftsmen villages scattered in Anjar and Mundra Talukas, has now nothing to show that it was once the home to some of Kutch’s finest artisans.
7. ^ Sinogra is known as the `Pride of Kutch`. At least it was until January 26. The killer-temblor has taken down with it this unique village created more than a century ago by `mistris' or masons with a plan that would make modern town developers blush.
8. ^ Shree Kutch Gurjar Kshatriya Samaj : A brief History & Glory of our fore-fathers : by Raja Pawan Jethwa. (2007) Calcutta. The Book has separate sections: INTRODUCTION : Gives an over view of Kutch Gurjar Kshtriya community and its ancient history (I) KGK and Architect built by them mainly in Princely State of Cutch. (II) KGK and Railway : Gives details of some major Railway work with mileage wise details (III) KGK Surnames & History : Section gives details of various Kshatriya communities like Solanki, Chauhan, Rathor, Jethwa, Parmar, Taunk, Chawda, etc. The history of origin of these surnames. (IV) Section deals with Kuldevi names various clans of KGK worship and history of these Kuldevi.
9. ^ [2]
10. ^ Kadia Kshatriya Ithihas : 1896
11. ^ Kadia Ksahtirya Abhudaya : Kutch
12. ^ [3]American anthropology, 1971-1995: papers from the American anthropologist edited by Regna Darnell page 768