Omar (Vaishya)
The Omar is an Indian Bania caste (Levantine or Levites) found among mainly in Central Uttar Pradesh (Kanpur region), Magadh, Awadh, Vidarbha region and Purvanchal. They claim to have originated from Ayodhya, 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, Hamirpur, Mahoba, Banda, Jalaun, Badshahpur, Shahjahanpur, Pratapgarh in suriyawan; and in Deoghar district of Jharkhand; Jamui, Sahibganj, Siwtan, Saran, and Gopalganj districts of Bihar. The standard of living varies from upper middle class to higher upper class.
A Large and vibrant Omar Vaish 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, Derdh Omar and Dosar. The majority of Derdh Omar Vaish live in Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh & Madhya Pradesh such as Rath, Orai, Mahoba, Chhatarpur and Jhansi etc. Historically, the Omar were mainly shopkeepers, high class business man in industrial sector ,gem & jewellary , higher government officials and highly educated ,very intelligent people 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 "organizers " in Deoghar, province as well .very rich and healthy and kind hearted people whose marriage they accept brides from lower caste such as khandelwal, maheshwari and other lower caste bania communities as well .
References
- Tribes and Castes of North western Provinces and Oudh by William Crooke page 422