History of Chopra family
The story begins
There is a very interesting story behind how the title `Chopra’ was conferred upon this family. Around the year 1098, a Jain Acharya, by the name of Jain Ballav Suri came to the Mandowar State. The king of Mandowar, Nahar Rao requested the Acharya to bless him for a son, a wish that was granted. The king was blessed with four sons on the condition that he would adopt Jainism and become a vegetarian. Despite his assurance to the Acharya, the king did not keep his promise. Sometime later his eldest son was bitten by a snake due to which he suffered from a very painful skin disease. His condition did not get better despite all kinds of medical treatments.
Name was founded
On the advice of his Minister, the King again approached the Jain Acharya for help. The Acharya cured the king’s son by applying a medicine mixed with ghee on his entire body. Since the process of applying ghee on the body is called “Chopadna” in the Rajasthani language, the subsequent generations of this family were called the `Chopras’. The king and his family finally adopted vegetarianism, became devoted Jains and pursued the philosophy of non-violence.
Reference to the Chopra family has also been made in many ancient handwritten books.
Name slowly spread
The Chopras have been builders of many Jain temples and libraries as is mentioned on the stone inscriptions found in various temples. Some of the well-known temples in Jaisalmer and other parts of Rajasthan were built by members of the Chopra family. The temple built by this family in Jaisalmer has over moo statues made of various stones including precious stones (Ref. Oswal Jati Ka itihas). The list of handwritten books collected & donated by Chopras is kept in a well known library at Jaisalmer and has been published by Baroda Central Library.
