Kapol community
Kapol community is a subgroup of the larger Vaishya/Bania merchant community, historically connected with the Saurashtra peninsula of Gujarat, India.
History
The origins of the Kapol community are linked to the Saurashtra peninsula. Their name is believed to derive from the Sanskrit word kapola, though accounts regarding its meaning differ within community traditions. Historically, Kapol families lived in towns such as Rajula, Sihor, Mahuva, Amreli, Lathi, Jafrabad, and Savarkundla.Between the 17th and 19th centuries, many Kapol merchants migrated to Bombay. Over time, the community established temples, hostels, and charitable institutions in the city, contributing to its social and commercial networks.
Scholarly and journalistic sources describe the Kapol or Kapol Bania as a Hindu Vaishya/Bania subcaste originating in Saurashtra whose members became prominent merchant-bankers in western India and the wider Indian Ocean trade network. Early modern records identify Bhimji Parekh, a Kapol Bania textile dealer, as one of the first Indian merchants to respond to British invitations to settle in Bombay, and note other Kapol Bania figures such as Sir Mangaldas Nathubhai and Karsandas Mulji in the city's commercial and social life. Modern surveys of Bombay's social history and state gazetteers similarly list Kapol as a distinct division of the Bania trading communities active in the city's development.
Religion and social structure
Kapols are predominantly followers of Pustimargiya Vaishnavism. A significant section adheres to the Pushtimarg tradition founded by Vallabhacharya. Social values commonly emphasised within the community include non-violence, family cohesion, and community service, in alignment with broader Vaishya cultural practices.Social governance
Historically, the community was governed by a caste council or Panchayat led by a titular head often referred to as the Sheth. This leader acted as an intermediary between the community and the colonial government. In the late 19th century, Sir Mangaldas Nathubhai held this position, utilising his influence to advocate for social reforms and educational initiatives within the Hindu community of Bombay.Institutions
The community has played a role in establishing cooperative, educational, and healthcare institutions.- In 1939, the Kapol Co-operative Bank Ltd. was founded by Khushaldas Kurji Parekh with the aim of supporting economically weaker groups. It became a scheduled bank in 1998.
- A hospital associated with Kapol benefactors was established in 1925. Known initially as Sir Harkisandas Narottamdas Hospital, it later became part of the Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital.,
- Madhav Baug: Located in Bhuleshwar, Mumbai, this 19th-century temple complex and community hall serves as a spiritual and cultural center for the community. It historically served as a venue for India's independence movement meetings, hosting figures such as Mahatma Gandhi.
Notable members
- Sir Mangaldas Nathubhoy – Industrialist and philanthropist.
- Karsondas Mulji – Journalist and social reformer.
- Dr. Gordhandas Bhagwandas Narottamdas – Physician and founder of a community hospital.
- Dr. Jivraj Mehta – Physician, freedom activist, and the first Chief Minister of Gujarat.
- Bhimji Parekh – A wealthy broker for the East India Company in Surat, credited with introducing the first printing press to Bombay in the 1670s.
- Rupaji Dhanji – A pioneer merchant who migrated from Ghogha to Bombay in 1756. He established the family line that later produced Sir Mangaldas Nathubhai and served as a foundational leader of the Kapol community in the city.