Nema (or Neema or Neva) is a merchant community which is mainly found in Madhya Pradesh. [1] [2] [3] It has also spread to Gujarat [4] and Rajasthan. It originated from the Nimar region of western Madhya Pradesh, where this community is still concentrated. [5]
Several old Jain inscriptions mentioning the Nema or Neva community have been found in Madhya Pradesh. [6]
The Nemas are largely devout Vaishnavas. A group of Nemas that migrated to Vidarbha region a few centuries ago, follows Digambar Jainism. [7] Those having presence in the Gujarat and Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh follow Śvetāmbara Jainism. [8]
Russell and Hira Lal state that: [9]
Nema (or Neema or Neva) is a merchant community which is mainly found in Madhya Pradesh. [1] [2] [3] It has also spread to Gujarat [4] and Rajasthan. It originated from the Nimar region of western Madhya Pradesh, where this community is still concentrated. [5]
Several old Jain inscriptions mentioning the Nema or Neva community have been found in Madhya Pradesh. [6]
The Nemas are largely devout Vaishnavas. A group of Nemas that migrated to Vidarbha region a few centuries ago, follows Digambar Jainism. [7] Those having presence in the Gujarat and Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh follow Śvetāmbara Jainism. [8]
Russell and Hira Lal state that: [9]