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Shrimal (Srimal) Jain is an ancient Jain and Hindu community originally from Rajasthan, Shrimal or Bhinmal town in southern Rajasthan. They were traditionally wealthy merchants and money lenders and were prominent at the court of Rajput kings as treasurers and ministers, holding the titles of Dewan or Durbari. This caste is claimed to descend from the Goddess Lakshmi and their descendants are well known for business acumen and are in possession of Havelis and mansions given to them as gifts from kings for their service as royal treasurers, ministers, courtiers and advisors.[1] The Shrimal (Srimal) Jain are thought to be the highest gotra in the Oswal merchant and minister caste that is found primarily in the north of India.
It is believed that the Srimal formed their own caste separate from the Oswal, evidenced by the fact that the majority of Srimals are Jain, which is also the case with the Oswal caste who descend from the Raja of Osnagar, a Rajput prince who converted to Jainism upon witnessing Sri Ratan Suri, a Jain ascetic, bring his son back to life. A few Srimals are Hindu and follow the Vaishnav path while worshipping their kuladevi, Goddess Laxmi.[1] They mainly reside in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.
