Omar (Vaishya)

The Omar is an Indian Bania caste, found among mainly in Central Uttar Pradesh (Kanpur region), Magadh, Awadh, Vidarbha region and Purvanchal. They claim to have originated from Ayodhia, and then spread to other parts of Awadh, eventually settling in different parts of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra and Jharkhand. Some theories and ancient texts suggest that the name 'Omar' has been derived from Om which is a sacred/mystical syllable in the Dharmic or Indian religions, i.e. Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism.

The Omar is known as Umar in different parts of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand. They use "Omar" "Umar" and "Gupta" as surname. A majority lives in Kanpur, Badshahpur, Shahjahanpur, Pratapgarh in Uttar Pradesh; and in Deoghar district of Jharkhand; Jamui, Sahibganj, Siwan, Saran, and Gopalganj districts of Bihar. The standard of living varies from lower-middle class to upper- middle class.

A small and vibrant Omar Vaishya also well established themselves as well reputed community at Sakoli region in Vidharbha of Eastern part of Maharashtra.

The Omar have three sub-divisions, the Til Omar, Derh Omar and Dusra. Historically, the Omar were mainly shopkeepers, but many have now taken to other occupation. Their customs are similar to the Kasaundhan, another Bania community.[1] A number of people from this caste has businesses as "decorators for functions/festivals" in Deoghar, and many of them work for the government.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Tribes and Castes of North western Provinces and Oudh by William Crooke page 422
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