Read this blog post in: Português | ગુજરાતી
In the photograph one can see an impressive group of members and supporters of a great social organisation, namely, in the front row and from the left to the right, Mr. Nahendralal Varazidas, Mr. Pravincumar Prabhudas, Mr. Nagardas Lalchand, Mr. Ganpatlal Amarchande (at the back, peeping from the back of Mr. Nagardas Lalchand), Mr. Vitoldas Aracchande, Mr. Vitoldas Pragji, Mr. Nagardas Devchand, Dr. Puspaceno Givandas, Mr. Vithal Karamchand, Mr. Parmanande Dullabh, Mr. Premchand Devchand, Mr. Parmanande Givan, Mr. Raichand Samji and Mr. Amarchand Vassram; in the middle row, from the left to the right, ?,?, ?, Mr. Jamnadas Motichand, Mr. Bhagvandas Vassramo and Mr. Mugatlal Harakhchand; in the back row, from the left to the right, Mr. Raichand Gulabchand and Mr. Surendralal Vassramo; on the balcony, from the left to the right, Mr. Chimanlal Narcim, Mr. Pracash Aracchande, Mr. Cunduncumar Devchand, Mr. Narendra Gokaldas, ?, Mr. Ganpatlal Daramci and Mr. Vinodchandra Raichand. Photo courtesy Mr. Vijay Kumaldas, popularly known as Vijay Lisboa. The individuals in the photograph have been recognised by Mr. Jitendra Ganpatlal, Mr. Vijay Kumaldas, Mr. Pravincumar Prabhudas and Mr. Narendra Gokaldas. If you notice any mistake, we kindly request you to contact us to rectify the error.
The Vanjas and Darjis claim to be Kshatriyas. When Parshurama started killing the Kshatriyas in Vindhyachal, some of them took asylum with Hinglaj Mata who promised to save them provided they started the occupation of weaving. They agreed and repaired to the Vindhyachal Mountain. A sage named Tantupal (tantu thread and pal protector) taught them the art of weaving. In course of time they learned the art of weaving and the term ‘Vanja’, i.e. ‘van’ and ‘ja’ which means ‘to go and weave’ for their livelihood, was applied to them. Having become Vindhyachalis, it is also said that they assumed the shorter denomination Vanjas. Gradually they mixed with other communities and adopted their cultural traits. They migrated from different parts of Kathiawad and the first man to settle in Diu was Amraji Vaghela in A.D. 1224. He was followed by other Vanja clans namely the Khedu Yadav in A.D. 1270, other members of the Vaghela in A.D. 1297, the Gohil in A.D. 1346, the Girnari Jadav in A.D. 1365, the Jethwa in A.D. 1398, the Unewal in A.D. 1595, the Solanki in A.D. 1623 and the Ghervada in A.D. 1735. The Shamal, the Padhiar, the Makwana, the Rathod and the Kataria arrived later on.
The legal organisation of the Vanzas and Darjis consists of a Gnyat Panch (traditional council) which functions at a fixed place called gnyatighar. The composition of the council consists of five sabhya (member), one khajanchi (accountant) and one mukadam (messenger), and this council elects a Patel (chief) by voice vote. The age factor is an important criterion. The tenure of Patel changes after four years. Social problems pertaining to disputes in marriage and disputes to intra and inter-families are referred to Gnyat Panch. A marriage only takes place after permission is given by the Patel and after going through the marriage registration certificate issued by the Marriage Registrar office of Diu. Other functions include the maintenance of the traditional norms and values of the community. Excommunication and cash fines are the forms of punishment inflicted by the Panch in case of a breach of its traditional norms and values.
The Vanzas and Darjis are divided into seventeen exogamous subdivisions on the basis of gotra which are suffixed as their atak (surname). The seventeen exogamous subdivisions, namely Vaghela, Solanki, Yadav, Parmar, Rathod, Padhiar, Chudasama, Makwana, Shamal, Gohil, Kataria, Unewal, Jethva, Raghuvanshi, Chauhan, Kharela and Vaja, are found in Diu. The main function of gotra is to regulate marriages, to trace descendants, and to invite them during the life-cycle ceremonies. They practise community endogamy and gotra exogamy. Their matrimonial relations are restricted to the Diu district and Bombay. The economic blockage of the Territory from 1954 to 1961 caused the migration of some Vanzas and Darjis to the neighbouring areas of Gujarat, Bombay and other Portuguese colonies in East Africa. The majority of the Vanzas and Darjis in Portugal originate from Diu and have a long history of migration to Mozambique.
The Vanzas and Darjis practise monogamy. The marriageable age ranges from eighteen to twenty-five years. The offer of marriage generally comes from an elder of the boy’s family. Marital alliances are negotiated by the elders of the family. Under the Civil Registration Code 1912, it is compulsory for marriages in Diu to be registered with the civil authorities.
The Vanzas and Darjis request the services of a Brahmin to perform all their life cycle rituals, sanskar, especially related to births, marriages and deaths.
The traditional occupation of the Vanzas was weaving. With the production of industrial fabrics, the Vanzas of Diu adopted sewing as their occupation. In the present, taking into account the socio-economic modifications, jobs in different government offices is their other means of livelihood. They are also found to have engaged in trade and commerce and in various other occupations and employment. Most of them have migrated and settled in Mozambique, Portugal and the UK.
The weaver, Mr. Harakhchand Panachand, in Diu. The member in the photograph has been recognised by his grandson, Mr. Vijay Kumaldas. Photo courtesy Mr. Orlando Ribeiro.
Generally, men wear trousers and shirts and young women wear normal western outfits like shirts, dresses and jeans. Older women usually wear saris or salvar kamiz. Older men are found to wear dhotis and kurtas or bandis.
The staple food of the Vanzas and Darjis includes rice, bajra and pulses of red gram and urad. They use potato, onion, brinjal, dudhi and tomato in their cooking. Their cooking follows the traditional full meal structure of rice, cooked vegetables, lentil (dal) or curry and rotli. Drinking buttermilk is also quite common. Popular dishes like puri, lapsi, thepla and dudhpak are prepared on festive occasions. Fruits like guava, mango and banana are consumed seasonally. The Vanzas and Darjis consume liquor made from maura flower, cane jaggery and the leaves of the dauri, the last of which is called Jav. They also consume toddy (palm toddy) which is the most common drink in Diu.
The Vanzas and Darjis of Diu speak Gujarati as their mother-tongue. However, in addition to Gujarati, English, Hindi and, to a very limited extent, Portuguese languages are also spoken by the Vanzas and Darjis.
Kutumb is the local term for the family. The most common system is that of the extended family. Respect is duly paid to the elders. Elders assist and look after the youngsters as a part of their duty and obligation. For Diu’s Hindus in general, property and inheritance through the extended family system are covered by Portuguese Civil Code of Usages and Customs of 1854 of non-Christians of Diu. Under this Code, the eldest person has the power to administer all properties, rites and valuables which the extended family may possess. However, nowadays, extended families are splitting under the impact of social and economic changes.
The copy of the manuscript entitled Civil Code of Usages and Customs of non-Christians of Diu, kindly provided by Mr. Hasmucrai Amarchande. Photo courtesy Master Aaryan Dipac.
Formal education is important to Vanzas and Darjis. Many Vanza and Darji children study to graduate and postgraduate levels.
The Vanzas and Darjis are followers of Kabir, a mystic poet and saint whose legacy survives and continues through the Kabir panth (“Path of Kabir”). Their gotra deities include Chamunda, Harshadh, Varnai, Chorwadi, Kankai, Ganga Bhavani and Jagrai who are worshipped during births, marriages and before carrying out auspicious ceremonies.
The Vanzas and Darjis worship Hinglaj Mata as their ishtdevi. They visit the temple to obtain the blessings of the deity after an auspicious occasion. On every Amavasya and also on Ashadh Shukla Ashtami, lapsi (wheat flour cooked into a thick paste and sweetened with molasses) is offered to Hinglaj Mata. This offering is in memory of her protection of the community from Parshuram.
Somnath, Gupta Prayag and Chorwad are considered as their sacred centres. There is a temple of Chamunda Devi at Chorwad which is visited once a year by the community. A Brahmin officiates as a sacred specialist and helps them in their religious offerings and homages during their visit.
The Vanzas and Darjis cremate their dead, whereas those below one year of age and whose death is caused by smallpox and snake-bite are buried. The eldest son acts as the chief mourner. The funeral rites generally begin on the third day after death. The chief mourner visits the cremation ground, pours milk and water over the cold embers, collects the ashes and bones and disposes of them in the sea with flowers. The funeral rites are performed on the tenth, eleventh, twelfth and thirteenth days after death. The chief mourner and the male members of the family shave their heads and rice is offered to the departed soul and ancestors. On the thirteenth day, the Shraddha is performed when the articles designated for the use of the departed soul are presented to the family priest.
One of the most remarkable traditions found among the Vanzas and Darjis is the detailed record keeping of family lineage. Also, their family history and lineage have been preserved by the Barots who periodically visit the town to register new births in their books. Moreover, the registration of births, marriages and deaths is mandatory in the official books of Vanza and Darji Gnati.
The organisation has undergone changes after Liberation. Cash rewards have been introduced for the students studying from Primary to Secondary school, and who secure first to the third position in class as a part of encouragement.
The Shree Vanza Gnati Gyan Pracharak Pustakalay Diu holds a remarkable collection of books and periodicals and new volumes are added annually. It includes some astonishing rarities and a uniquely eclectic mix of titles. For nearly four and a half decades the library has played a central role in the intellectual and cultural life of the community and has enjoyed an association with an impressive range of members and supporters.
The library, Shree Vanza Gnati Gnan Pracharak Pustakalay, that has played a central role in the intellectual and cultural life of the community and has enjoyed an association with an impressive range of members and supporters. In the photograph one can see, seated from the left to the right, ?, Mr. Surendralal Vassramo, ?, Mr. Jamnadas Motichand, Mr. Mugatlal Harakhchand, Mr. Narendra Gokaldas, Mr. Pracash Aracchande, Mr. Bhagvandas Vassramo, Mr. Vithaldas Pragji, Mr. Parmanande Dullabh, Mr. Amarchand Vassram, Mr. Nagardas Lalchand, Dr. Puspaceno Givandas, Mr. Vithaldas Karamchand, Mr. Parmanande Givan, ?, Mr. Premchand Devchand, Mr. Raichand Gulabchand, Mr. Nagardas Devchand, ?, Mr. Vitoldas Aracchande, Mr. Ganpatlal Amarchande, ?, Mr. Nahendralal Varazidas and Mr. Pravincumar Prabhudas (unclear); one can also see standing, from the left to the right, Mr. Ganpatlal Daramci, Mr. Cunduncumar Devchand, ? and Mr. Chimanlal Narcim. Photo courtesy Vijay Kumaldas, popularly known as Vijay Lisboa. The individuals in the photograph have been recognised by Mr. Jitendra Ganpatlal, Mr. Vijay Kumaldas, Mr. Pravincumar Prabhudas and Mr. Narendra Gokaldas. If you notice any mistake, we kindly request you to contact us to rectify the error.
The Shree Mata Hinglaj Prerna Dhaam houses a temple of Hinglaj Mata. It serves as a religious and cultural centre for the Vanzas and Darjis. The Shree Darji Hinglaj Mata Vadi also houses a temple of Hinglaj Mata.
Shree Mata Hinglaj Prerna Dhaam. Photo courtesy Mr. Vijay Kumaldas.
The temple of Hinglaj Mata which is on the premises of Shree Mata Hinglaj Prerna Dhaam. Photo courtesy Vijay Kumaldas.
The temple of Hinglaj Mata which is on the premises of Shree Darji Gnati Hinglaj Vadi. Photo courtesy Vijay Kumaldas.
Shree Darji Gnati Hinglaj Vadi. Photo courtesy Vijay Kumaldas.
The Vanza Gnati offers Amarvadi that has multi-purpose amenities, such as a hall and accommodation, for hire to the community. It also has utensils that can be hired for family events. The Darji Gnati has a large open space on the way from Diu to Fudam, popularly known as Pani nu Parab where the community meets to celebrate the Ujjani and other festive occasions.
Amarvadi, which has multi-purpose amenities, such as a hall and accommodation, for hire to the community. Photo courtesy Mr. Vivek Pradipcumar.
Pani nu Parab, a large open space on the way from Diu to Fudam. Photo courtesy Vijay Kumaldas.
Pani nu Parab, where the community meets to celebrate the Ujjani and other festive occasions. The photograph was taken by Mr. Rameshchandra Nagardas in the late 1960s. Photo courtesy Mr. Rameshchandra Nagardas.
Among the popular games which the Vanzas and Darjis seem to have taken to are the playing of cards, carrom and Chaupat, with Chaupat perhaps being the most popular indoor game. Children play traditional games, such as kabaddi, goli and gilli danda. They also play cricket and football.
Chaupat, the most popular indoor game. Photo courtesy Miss Diya Dipac.
The Vanzas and Darjis celebrate festivals like Diwali, Holi, Janmashtami, Navratri, Makar Sankranti, Tulsi Vivah, Kajla which have socio-religious significance. The Vanzas and Darjis hold a community feast, an Ujjani, once a year. They also enjoy the folk dances, dandiaraas and garba, common to all the other Hindu communities, during the festive occasion of Navratri and other festivals. The Poonam Mela, common to all the Hindu communities of Diu, is the most important religious fair held at the Kalingali Mata temple in Bucharwada, in the month of Chaitra. The Vanzas and Darjis attend the Chaitra Mela, popularly known as Singelino Melo which is held at Patelvadi in the month of Chaitra. During their visit to the Mela, the Vanzas perform the havan on Shukla Ashtami, while the Darjis perform the havan on Shukla Poonam. On Ashadh Shukla Panchami, the Vanzas and Darjis attend the havan at Kalingali Mata temple in Bucharwada. They also attend the Shivaratri Mela which is held at the Gangeshwar temple in Fudam on the day of Maha Shivaratri. The Dholo Aato Festival which falls on Margshirsh Shukla Ashtami and Margshirsh Krishna Chaturdashi is observed by the Vanzas with special reverence; this festival is in memory of the protection given by Hinglaj Mata to the community from Parshuram. The Darjis celebrate the Dholo Aato on Margshirsh Shukla Ashtami. The Vanzas and Darjis also celebrate the festivals known as Kankeshwari Matanun Mamerun on Jyeshtha Shukla Poonam and Hinglaj Matanun Mamerun,Totla Devinun Mamerun and Kalingali Matanun Mamerun on Ashadh Shukla Ashtami.
Book of Garba, originally written by Mr. Laxmidas Dullabhdas, later compiled by Mr. Bhadrassen Lavji and Dr. Pratap Lavji. Copies of these books were kindly offered to me by Mr. Hasmucrai Amarchande. Photo cortesy Miss Diya Dipac.
Volunteers, seated after having prepared the food for the Ujjani and waiting for the Gnati members to arrive. In this photograph, one can see Mr. Varajidas Araquechande, Mr. Raichand Samji, Mr. Krishnalal Motichand, Mr. Ganpatlal Amarchande, ?, Mr. Trambaclal Parmanande, Mr. Vitoldas Aracchande, Mr. Surendralal Vassramo, Mr. Nagardas Abhechand, ?, ?, Mr. Keshavji Gangaram, Mr. Varazidas Aracchande and Mr. Champaklal Keshavji. The photograph was taken by Mr. Nagardas Abhechand in the late 1950s. Photo courtesy Mr. Rameshchandra Nagardas. The individuals in the photograph have been recognised by Mr. Jitendra Ganpatlal, Mr. Vijay Kumaldas and Mr. Hasmucrai Amarchande. If you notice any mistake, we kindly request you to contact us to rectify the error.
Volunteers, seated after having prepared the food for the Ujjani and waiting for the Gnati members to arrive. In this photograph, one can see Mr. Varajidas Araquechande, Mr. Raichand Samji, Mr. Krishnalal Motichand, Mr. Ganpatlal Amarchande, ?, Mr. Trambaclal Parmanande, Mr. Vitoldas Aracchande, Mr. Surendralal Vassramo, Mr. Nagardas Abhechand and ?, ?. The photograph was taken by Mr. Nagardas Abhechand in the late 1950s. Photo courtesy Mr. Rameshchandra Nagardas. The individuals in the photograph have been recognised by Mr. Jitendra Ganpatlal, Mr. Vijay Kumaldas and Mr. Hasmucrai Amarchande. If you notice any mistake, we kindly request you to contact us to rectify the error.
Volunteers, seated after having prepared the food for the Ujjani and waiting for the Gnati members to arrive. In this photograph, one can see Mr. Raichand Samji, Mr. Krishnalal Motichand, Mr. Ganpatlal Amarchande, ?, Mr. Trambaclal Parmanande, Mr. Vitoldas Aracchande, Mr. Surendralal Vassramo, Mr. Nagardas Abhechand, ?, ?, Mr. Keshavji Gangaram, Mr. Varazidas Aracchande and Mr. Champaklal Keshavji. The photograph was taken by Mr. Nagardas Abhechand in the late 1950s. Photo courtesy Mr. Rameshchandra Nagardas. The individuals in the photograph have been recognised by Mr. Jitendra Ganpatlal, Mr. Vijay Kumaldas and Mr. Hasmucrai Amarchande. If you notice any mistake, we kindly request you to contact us to rectify the error.
Volunteers, seated after having prepared the food for the Ujjani and waiting for the Gnati members to arrive. In this photograph, one can see Mr. Nahendralal Varazidas, Mr. Varajidas Araquechande, Mr. Raichand Samji, Mr. Krishnalal Motichand, Mr. Ganpatlal Amarchande, Mr. Narendra Nagardas, Mr. Trambaclal Parmanande, Mr. Vitoldas Aracchande, Mr. Surendralal Vassramo, Mr. Nagardas Abhechand, ?, ?, Mr. Keshavji Gangaram, Mr. Varazidas Aracchande and Mr. Champaklal Keshavji. The photograph was taken by Mr. Nagardas Abhechand in the late 1950s. Photo courtesy Mr. Rameshchandra Nagardas. The individuals in the photograph have been recognised by Mr. Jitendra Ganpatlal, Mr. Vijay Kumaldas, Mr. Hasmucrai Amarchande and Mr. Rameshchandra Nagardas. If you notice any mistake, we kindly request you to contact us to rectify the error.
Gnati members, eagerly waiting to enter the premises of Amarvadi to enjoy the meal on the auspicious occasion of Ujjani. In this photograph, one can see Shreemati Vanita Lavchand, Shreemati Narabda Gokaldas, Shreemati Lalita Kasturchand, Shreemati Ratan Bhavanidas and other members of the community. One can also see, Shreeman Gor Nandram Mulji Joshi and Shreeman Gor Pradhyuman Harjivan Smart applying tilak to our Gnati members. The photograph was taken by Mr. Nagardas Abhechand in the late 1950s. Photo courtesy Mr. Rameshchandra Nagardas. The individuals in the photograph have been recognised by Mr. Jitendra Ganpatlal. If you notice any mistake, we kindly request you to contact us to rectify the error.
The premises of Amarvadi where members of the Gnati are seen approaching the long corridor to be seated to enjoy the meal on the auspicious occasion of Ujjani. In this photograph, one can see Mr. Ajitshim Dharamsi (in a dark shirt and trousers) and other members of the Gnati. The photograph taken by Mr. Nagardas Abhechand in the late 1950s. Photo courtesy Mr. Rameshchandra Nagardas. The individual in the photograph has been recognised by Mr. Vijay Kumaldas. If you notice any mistake, we kindly request you to contact us to rectify the error.
The Kalingali Mata Temple in Bucharwada (view from the exterior). Photo courtesy Vijay Kumaldas.
The Kalingali Mata Temple in Bucharwada (view from the interior). Photo courtesy Vijay Kumaldas.
The Shree Mata Totla Devi Temple, in Diu (view from the exterior). Photo courtesy Vijay Kumaldas.
The Shree Mata Totla Devi Temple, in Diu (view from the interior). Photo courtesy Vijay Kumaldas.
A cordial relationship is maintained with all the Hindu communities during the Poonam Mela and Shivaratri Mela which stresses the relationship of brotherhood among all. Recently, there has been an increase of linkages with all the communities on an economic and political level. They avail of the facilities of modern medical care. They also favour family welfare and planning but prefer to have not more than three children. They avail of the facilities of ration distribution and banking. The construction of Thud bridge between Diu and Gujarat has provided them with transport facilities for frequent visits to the markets of the adjoining areas of Gujarat. They are exposed to mass communication by radio, television, newspaper, cinema and internet.
According to the ancient documents of Vanja Gnati, Diu, here you will find the list of names of the Patels appointed by our Gnati members from 1785 AD to the present day. Much of the list below was taken from a document left by the Late Mr. Manicant Vassramo. The last five names have been added according to the information kindly provided by Mr. Vasantcumar Aridas.
| Number | Names of Patels (Leaders) | Beginning of Term AD | End of Term Month/Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shree Vanza Mavji Kanji | 1785 | ± 2 Years |
| 2 | Shree Vanza Nanji Dama | 1787 | ± 6 Years |
| 3 | Shree Vanza Kika Dhanji | 1793 | ± 2 Years |
| 4 | Shree Vanza Karshanji Purshottam | 1795 | ± 3 Years |
| 5 | Shree Vanza Kika Dhanji | 1798 | ± 15 Years |
| 6 | Shree Vanza Mavji Vitthal | 1813 | ± 4 Years |
| 7 | Shree Vanza Veerji Harji | 1817 | ± 3 Years |
| 8 | Shree Vanza Mulgi Kika | 1820 | ± 2 Years |
| 9 | Shree Vanza Amarshi Hemchand | 1822 | ± 1 Year |
| 10 | Shree Vanza Keshav Mavji | 1823 | ± 1 Year |
| 11 | Shree Vanza Shamji Premji | 1824 | ± 1 Year |
| 12 | Shree Vanza Heerji Dama | 1825 | ± 1 Year |
| 13 | Shree Vanza Madhav Maka | 1826 | ± 1 Year |
| 14 | Shree Vanza Narshim Jivan | 1827 | ± 1 Year |
| 15 | Shree Vanza Heerji Pragji | 1828 | ± 1 Year |
| 16 | Shree Vanza Nana Mavji | 1829 | ± 1 Year |
| 17 | Shree Vanza Kurji Boda | 1830 | ± 1 Year |
| 18 | Shree Vanza Panji Trikam | 1831 | ± 1 Year |
| 19 | Shree Vanza Mavji Vitthal | 1832 | ± 1 Year |
| 20 | Shree Vanza Pitambar Manji | 1833 | ± 2 Years |
| 21 | Shree Vanza Keshav Mavji | 1835 | ± 1 Year |
| 22 | Shree Vanza Premji Jivan | 1836 | ± 1 Year |
| 23 | Shree Vanza Kurji Boda | 1837 | ± 1 Year |
| 24 | Shree Vanza Jetha Premji | 1838 | ± 1 Year |
| 25 | Shree Vanza Bava Jetha | 1839 | ± 1 Year |
| 26 | Shree Vanza Mulji Jadav | 1840 | ± 1 Year |
| 27 | Shree Vanza Mavji Vitthal | 1841 | ± 1 Year |
| 28 | Shree Vanza Morar Heerji | 1842 | ± 1 Year |
| 29 | Shree Vanza Heerji Dharsi | 1843 | ± 1 Year |
| 30 | Shree Vanza Shamji Dhanji | 1844 | ± 1 Year |
| 31 | Shree Vanza Ramji Trikam | 1845 | ± 1 Year |
| 32 | Shree Vanza Mulji Anand | 1846 | ± 4 Years |
| 33 | Shree Vanza Morar Anand | 1850 | ± 1 Year |
| 34 | Shree Vanza Mulji Anand | 1851 | ± 3 Years |
| 35 | Shree Vanza Zeena Deva | 1854 | ± 3 Years |
| 36 | Shree Vanza Deva Shamji | 1857 | ± 4 Years |
| 37 | Shree Vanza Narshinh Ganesh | 1861 | ± 1 Year |
| 38 | Shree Vanza Zeena Deva | 1862 | ± 1 Year |
| 39 | Shree Vanza Mulji Anand | 1863 | ± 4 Years |
| 40 | Shree Vanza Gordhan Hari | 1867 | ± 1 Year |
| 41 | Shree Vanza Vela Keshav | 1868 | ± 1 Year |
| 42 | Shree Vanza Bhavan Jechand | 1869 | ± 1 Year |
| 43 | Shree Vanza Hemchand Mavji | 1870 | ± 1 Year |
| 44 | Shree Vanza Ghela Gordhan | 1871 | ± 3 Years |
| 45 | Shree Vanza Vaghji Karshan | 1874 | ± 3 Years |
| 46 | Shree Vanza Naran Anand | 1877 | ± 1 Year |
| 47 | Shree Vanza Morar Zaver | 1878 | ± 3 Years |
| 48 | Shree Vanza Bhavan Hema | 1881 | ± 1 Month |
| 49 | Shree Vanza Meghji Anand | 1881 | ± 3 Years |
| 50 | Shree Vanza Vela Hari | 1884 | ± 3 Years |
| 51 | Shree Vanza Savchand Vakhat | 1887 | ± 2 Years |
| 52 | Shree Vanza Jivan Bava | 1889 | ± 3 Years |
| 53 | Shree Vanza Bhikha Dharshi | 1892 | ± 1 Year |
| 54 | Shree Vanza Jeraj Savchand | 1893 | ± 2 Years |
| 55 | Shree Vanza Jivan Mulchand | 1895 | ± 1 Year |
| 56 | Shree Vanza Vassram Deva | 1896 | ± 1 Year |
| 57 | Shree Vanza Valji Mulji | 1897 | ± 3 Years |
| 58 | Shree Vanza Bhikha Dharshi | 1901 | ± 3 Years |
| 59 | Shree Vanza Dullabhdas Narshinh | 1904 | ± 27 Years |
| 60 | Shree Vanza Trikamdas Hirachand | 1931 | ± 4 Years |
| 61 | Shree Vanza Jechand Valji | 1935 | ± 4 Years |
| 62 | Shree Vanza Amichand Hirachand | 1939 | ± 7 Years |
| 63 | Shree Vanza Hirachand Kanji | 1946 | ± 6 Years |
| 64 | Shree Vanza Lavchand Pragji | 1952 | ± 15 Years |
| 65 | Shree Vanza Nagardas Lalchand | 1967 | ± 8 Years |
| 66 | Shree Vanza Raichand Gulabchand | 1975 | ± 4 Years |
| 67 | Shree Vanza Jugaldas Mulji | 1979 | ± 6 Years |
| 68 | Shree Vanza Dr. Puspaceno Givandas | 1985 | ± 2 Years |
| 69 | Shree Vanza Champaklal Keshavji | 1987 | ± 15 Years |
| 70 | Shree Vanza Tulsidas Lacmichande | 2002 | ± 5 Years |
| 71 | The Management Committee was formed; Shree Vanza Tulsidas Lacmichande was appointed as the President | Approximately between 2003-2004 | |
| 72 | Shree Vanza Dwarkadas Hemchand | 2007 | ± 4 Years |
| 73 | Shree Vanza Vasantcumar Aridas | 2011 | ± 2 Years |
| 74 | Shree Vanza Yatinkumar Laxmicant | 2013 | ± 3 Year |
| 75 | Shree Vanza Vasantcumar Aridas | 2016 | ± 1 Year |
According to the information provided by Mr. Virendra Chunilal, the Patels who were appointed by the Shree Darji Gnati Diu are Mr. Quessavji Hirachande, Mr. Otamchande Jeraj and Mr. Chunilal Otamchande. Afterwards, the Gnati was run by a Panch. Mr. Virendra Chunilal was the last Patel until his passing on 17th June, 2017.
Post by: Dipac Canacsinh
It is my pleasure to acknowledge the roles of several individuals who were instrumental in the completion of this article.
I am grateful to my cousin, Pradip Vassantlal for being a constant source of motivation and for helping me to improve the Gujarati version of this article.
I am grateful to the individuals who kindly allowed me to borrow photographs for use in this article: Mr. Vijay Kumaldas, Mr. Rameshchandra Nagardas, Mr. Vivek Pradipcumar, Mr. Orlando Ribeiro, Miss Diya Dipac and Master Aaryan Dipac; Mr. Rameshchandra Nagardas kindly allowed me to borrow the photographs taken by his Late Father Mr. Nagardas Abhechand.
I would like to thank all the members who promptly helped me to recognise the individuals in the photographs, namely Mr. Vijay Kumaldas, Mr. Jitendra Ganpatlal, Mr. Pravincumar Prabhudas, Mr. Narendra Gokaldas, Mr. Hasmucrai Amarchande and Mr. Rameshchandra Nagardas. My heartiest thanks to Mr. Hasmucrai Amarchande who kindly provided me with the copy of the manuscript entitled Civil Code of Usages and Customs of non-Christians of Diu.
I would like to thank the Late Mr. Manicant Vassramo who left a written document listing the names of the patels nominated since 1785 AD. I would also like to thank Mr. Vasantcumar Aridas for his contribution in providing the last few names of the patels. I am also thankful to the Late Mr. Virendra Chunilal for having provided me with the list of names of the patels appointed by the Shree Darji Gnati Diu.
My gratitude to Mr. Hasmucrai Amarchande for offering me the copies of the books of Garba. The praiseworthy work of compiling these books was done by the Late Mr. Laxmidas Dullabhdas, Mr. Bhadrassen Lavji and Dr. Pratap Lavji.
I thank Mr. Paresh Amarchande for his continued support.
I crave the readers’ indulgence for any blemishes and errors of omission, which may still be discovered by the discerning eye, although no pains have been spared to make the account lucid, accurate, concise, and comprehensive. The subject dealt with here is vast and complicated, and while writing I was often reminded of the well-known lines of the Chinese proverb:
“Do not curse the darkness, light a candle”