Date November 01, 2015: Mustafabad Tankaria- History page will not be updated from today onward on tankaria.wikifoundry.com
.
MUSTAFABAD TANKARIA- HISTORY BOOK

Click on above link to download Mustafabad Tankaria- History Book (Last updated on October 27, 2015)

Second Edition: 2014
(First Edition published in 2007, on Tankaria Wetpaint website).

Tankaria is the biggest village in the Bharuch Taluka. It is in the Bharuch District of Gujarat, India. Tankaria is the land of the great brotherhood. 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, Pharmacists, Engineers, Building Contractors, Skilled Technicians, Businessmen, Government Officials, Writers, Poets, Politicians and, Social Workers. Tankaria has produced a remarkable numbers of Islamic Scholars. Tankaria has also produced few University Professors, College Lecturers, Lawyers, Land Surveyors and Chartered Accountants . Tankarvis working as primary school teachers can found everywhere in cities and villages of 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. Tankarvis are famous for their hospitality.

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

Part 01. Recorded History: 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

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 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
edited By: Nasirusen Ahmed Lotiya

Mustafabad's Jam-e-masjid
Mustafabad Jam-e-masjid


History of Mustafabad Jam-e-Masjid later known as Jam-e-Masjid Tankaria.

This masjid is in the centre of the village near the main marketplace (Bazaar).

There is a 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 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.”

Facts:

(1) Construction of Jam-e-Masjid completed on Monday, 19 March 1453 CE corresponds to 9 Rabi-Al- Awwal, Hijri 857. Conversion of Hijri date to Gregorian date also 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. 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 Chok at Ahmadabad, by the side of his father and his Grandfather Ahmed Shah I. He 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.

(3) In the original epigraph/ inscription affixed to the wall of Jam-e-Masjid the name of the village is mentioned as Mustafabad only; Tankaria did not mention anywhere. It proves that name of the village was Mustafabad till 1453 CE. This Arabic epigraph/ inscription does not only provide the construction history of Jam-e-Masjid, but it also provide us the proof that name of the village in 1453 CE was Mustafabad. This fact 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 (1) Tankaria alias (alias - Named at another time) Mustafabad in Broach (Bharuch) district of Gujarat. (2) Diyadar alias Mahmudabad in Sabar Kantha District of Gujarat. (3) Sanchor alias Muhammadabad in Jalor district of Rajasthan. (4) Malia alias Rasulabad in Rajkot district of Gujarat and (5) 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.

History of Mustafabad Jam-e-Masjid also recorded in the below mentioned Government records.
(1) Indian Archaeology 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 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.”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 shown 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.
Below references also provide us evidence to confirm the fact that the name of the village was Mustafabad. It was not changed as Tankaria till 1453 CE.

(1) Archaeological Survey of India, EPIGRAPHIA INDICA – ARABIC AND PERSIAN SUPPLEMENT- 1975, page 30.

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

(3) Islamic India studies in history, epigraphy, onomastic and numismatics.

(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 Archaeological Survey of India, name of our village in 1453 CE was Mustafabad (2) As per the statement of Dr Z.A. Desai, 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 Marvaris 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 Marvaris had become Muslim and in reward those Marvaris were settled on the waste lands in Gujarat.Information related to newly converted Marvari 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 Marvari 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 ruling 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 Marvaris 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 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 Marvaris freed in 1618 CE by the Emperor Jahangir were not original Muslim Vahora. They joined Muslim Vahora community of Gujarat specifically 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 the 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.

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 share his experience with Heber on his way to Kheda. Description related to Ovans, which is more than 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 Well-Known village in 1825 CE.

It is mentioned in the Journal that land in 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 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 (3) Vaja (Mota Vaja) and (4) Suleman Vaja (Sullu Vaja Vaja or Nana Vaja). By those 04 divisions, 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 belong to all Four divisions.

Suleman Vaja (Sallu Vaja or Nana Vaja)
Ahmed Adam Ismail Mohammed Bhaiji BhalodaDate of birth: 04-01-1926

He belong 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. He belongs to Sallu Vaja.

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 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 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 was 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 (Namaj-e-janaja). Later it was observed that the saint who lead 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 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 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. It might be of different colour and quality. It was called, “Thingdu.” In our early days 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 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 jaggery. 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 Asmal Khoda, Musebhai Bhim, Ahmed Ishap Ipli, Alli Ishap Ipli, and Ahmed Muse Dhabu. At that time dry coconuts, dry dates, jaggery 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, 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 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 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. On those days, Red Juwwar was brought by British officers from America. In 1946, there were a cholera epidemic spreads 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.

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 Jaggery 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 BhadAli 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.

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’s 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 for 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.


Part 03: Tankaria and Tankarvis
Edited By : Nasirhusen 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) and Dr Firoz Aiyub Miyanji (Paediatric Surgeon- Canada).(To be edited)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 taken from Patel Directory, Compiled by Ibrahim Dadabhai “Bekar’’.Local Panchayat leaders (Sarpanchs): To be edited.

Organisations/ Institutes:
The Mustafabad Industrial Training Institute, Tankaria

The Mustafabad Industrial Training Institute, Tankaria (M.I.T.I) established in the year 1986. (M.I.T.I. means Mustafabad I.T.I, not Mini I.T.I).I.T.I. Tankaria affiliated to the National Council for Vocational Training (N.C.V.T) under the Directorate General of Employment & Training, Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India.

M.I.T.I. was the first I.T.I. in the Bharuch Taluka. In 1986, there was no any I.T.I. in Bharuch Taluka, not even in Bharuch city. Trainees from Bharuch district and neighboring districts including Bharuch and Ankleshwar cities are getting training in this institute. Qualified Trainees of this Institute are working with the companies all around Gujarat. Some are working outside Gujarat and some working in the Gulf countries. During 2005 t0 2006 the employees of "National Thermal Power Corporation" (NTPC-Zanor) also joined this Institute and completed a two-year course in the Fitter trade.

Some of the Qualified and reputed Trainees of the institute from our village Tankaria are Rafiq Dahya and Mohammed Mukardam. Both successful Building contractors have been trained by M.I.T.I in the Draftsmen Civil trade. Qualified Trainees of this Institute are also working with the Gujarat Electricity Board (G.E.B). This institute also trained Hanif Godar, our “G.E.B. Helper.” Many qualified trainees, trained in the “Fitter Trade” are working with many reputed companies in Gujarat and outside Gujarat.

I.T.I, N.C.V.T. certificates, are valid all around the world. Many I.T.I. Qualified Trainees with experience are found working in the Gulf countries and other countries with good salaries.


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

Please scroll up and click on Mustafabad Tankaria- History Book.pdf to download all parts from 01 to o4.