Gahoi is a merchant Vaishya-Baniya community in central India. [1][2]
Gahois are divided into 12 gotras, each gotra is divided into six alls.[3] They have traditionally interdined with the Parwar Jain community of Bundelkhand.[4]
The "Grahapati" family mentioned in the Grahapati Kokkala inscription is believed to be from the same community that is now known as Gahoi.[5] This inscription at Khajuraho, dated Vikram Samvat 1056, Kartika (1000–1001 AD), is the earliest known reference to the Grahapati family.[6] Unlike all other Chandella-era Grahapati inscriptions which are Jain, this refers to a Shiva temple,[7] although Verse 3 suggests that the builder also worshipped Jinas. An inscription is of Vikram samvat 1011 mentioning Pahilla, regarded to have been a Grahapati, who built a Jain temple during the reign of DhangaatKhajuraho. This temple is among those that still exist at Khajuraho.[8][9][10]
A bronze Jain Altarpiece with Parshvanatha, Shantinatha, and Vasupujiya is preserved in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.[11] It was installed by Sadhu Sandhan, son of Kuntha, of Grahapati family in Vikram 1121 (1178 AD).[12]
