Agrawal

Agrawals (also Agarwal or Aggarwal) are the largest and most infuential of the merchant communities in India. Agrawal population is about 4 million.

The name Agrawal is derived from Agroha (Sanskrit Agrotaka) the original center of the Agrawals, which is near Hisar in Haryana. From Hisar region, they have migrated to Delhi, western UP and throughout India. Those living in Shekhawati region in Rajasthan came to called Marwari after they started setting in Calcutta.

The town of Agroha flourished through Maurya, Kushana, Yaudheya, and Tomar period. Agrawal merchant Nattal Sahu and the first Agrawal poet Vibudh Shridhar lived during the rule of Tomar Anangapal of Yoginipur.

Agroha survived when Hansi was conquered by Turks in the 10th century, but was overrun by Ghori.

In 1354, Feroze Shah founded Hisar near Agroha, and it became a main center of the Agrawals. A Bhattaraka institution based Hisar had branches in Gwalior and Delhi. During the rule of the Sultans, some of the Agrawals were able to obtain permission to build temples etc.

In early 15th century Agrawals flourished under the Tomars of Gwalior. many of them became very wealthy and supported carving of idols, and composition of literature.

During the Mughal rule, a few Agrawals were able to secure influential positions in the Mughal court. In 1712, Lala Ratan Chand, originator of Rajvanshi section, was executed because of his involvement in the power struggle.

Late during the Mughal rule, and during the East India Company administration, the Agrawals migration to Bihar and Calcutta began, who became the major component of the Marwaris.

During the British rule, Agrawals became involved in swadeshi movements and established major houses like Dalmia-Jain, Bajaj, Singhania etc. Bharatendu Harishchandra was responsible for establishing Hindi as India's national language, and wrote the first history of the Agrawal community.

Some of the richest Indians, like Lakshmi Mittal, are Agrawal. They are known to be strict vegetarians and strongly identify with Indian culture and Hindi language.