Chijgam
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Chijgam is a village located on the coast of the Arabian Sea 160 miles north of Mumbai, India. The village of Dandi, which is famous for Gandhi's salt march, and city of Navsari, which is the birthplace of the founders of TATA (India's largest business group), are located in close proximity of Chijgam. Despite limited resources in Chijgam, many residents of the tiny village become doctors, software engineers, charted accountants, and the like. You can find former villagers in the USA, Canada, UK, Kenya, Zambia, South Africa, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and New Zealand.
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[edit] History
Chijgam and all of its neighboring villages were massive salt producing areas for almost 200 years. The area that Chijgam is located on is separated from the Arabian Sea by approximately one mile of land. It's located on Kanai Creek which starts from Toli Talav, North of Navsari and ends up at Arabian Sea.
Salt was mainly traded from the Chijgamis to the Vanzaras (the gypsy tribe of traders) for money, materials, essentials, food, and jewelry. Eventually technology advanced, and ships were used to transport salt to Mumbai. Adoption of a railroad transportation system replaced Chijgami dependence on the Vanzaras and their camel fleets. Introduction of a fresh water canal system reduced the amount of salt in the sea (brine level) by 40%. The lack of salt eventually ended the salt business that Chijgam was accustomed to. However, canals were useful in rejuvenating farm crops and mango orchards. Despite the demise of the salt manufacturing business, the improvement of the land’s agriculture is why canals were still used. By 1975, opportunities in the diamond cutting and polishing businesses brought prosperity back to Chijgam. Meanwhile, people started to immigrate to Europe and North America. Today Canada and the Persian Gulf have one of the largest number of residents from Chijgam.
From the 1920’s through the 1940's, several Chijgami residents flourished in the Taadi (a semi-alcoholic drink made from the sap of Palm trees) producing and selling business. These Chijgamis traveled as far as Nagpur to run such stores and during the festival of Diwale, would return to Chijgam with great wealth. However, before returning to Chijgam, many of the businessmen would hire musicians from neighboring villages and reenter Chijgam with great fanfare and excitement. They would also hire cooks and hold extravagant celebrations and feasts. Unfortunately for Chijgamis, during the 1930’s when Gandhi started his support for liquor prohibition, Taadi stores went out of business. Some Chijgamis went into Shipping business using small clipper ships. They used to transport goods between Goa, Mumbai and Bhaavnagar. Advent of trucking business put these families out of shipping business.
Between 1930 through 1970, about 10% of children from Chijgam attended the only school in the district: the ***** School in Khara, Abrama. It is a commute of 8 miles from Chijgam to the school.
During the late 60’s, Chijgamis became famous for their Kabaddi and volleyball. Chijgam sent regularly Kabaddi and volleyball teams to compete at state level. During games, Chijgam’s musical themesong, “The Pride of Chijgam” was loudly played by local bands against rival bannds during what became known as a musical face-off. The band with the loudest and clearest sound often won the battle.
[edit] Religion and Beliefs
A majority of Chijgam's population ascends from the Koli tribe and worships the goddess Kali (Kalimata). Ten mile pilgrimages to the Kalimata temple, Masa, during the monsoon season were common journeys made by the Chijgamis. There is also the Wageshwarimata temple and a recently constructed Rama temple. When they inhabited Chijgam, Vanzaras frequented Rupamata and Makhanmata temples.
Kolis from Chijgaam who were also agris ( salt gatherers ) also pray to goddess Mumba. It's fact that Mumbai, the biggest city in India is named after goddess Mumba. Chijgamis make pilgrim to Oonaimata and enjoy sulfur water spring bath.
[edit] Geography
Chijgam consists of multiple streets: Patel Falia, Gohale Falia, Dhana Falia, Pitamber falia, Pitiye Falia, Pipal Falia, Matavaru Falia, Makle Methiye Falia (MM Street) and Dhana Falia. There is also Aagar Falia which is named after the salt collecting mud pan. Each street is named after people who contributed a great deal to the Chijgam. The village also has two large ponds: the Ram Talav and the Honiya Talav. The Kanai Creek runs through Chijgam’s Khara land.
Chijgam was populated by 7 to 9 families around 1800. Most of these families came from Mutwaad. Later on people migrated from Aat and Dandi and settled at Dhana Falia. Due to closeness to Arabian sea and Kanai creek, villagers of Chijgam used to bet attacked by ruthless pirates also.
[edit] Noteworthy People
[edit] Prominent figures of Chijgam
- Late Mr. Lalbhai Ravjibhai Patel
- Late Mr. Chhanabhai Ravjibhai Patel
- Late Mr. Ranchodbhai Ravjibhai Patel
- Late Mr. Chibabhai Fakirbahi Patel
- Late Mr. Ookabhai Somabhai Patel
- Late Mr. Dahyabhai Somabhai Patel
- Late Mr. Nathubhai Vishrambhai Patel
- Late Mr. Mangabhai Bhanabhai Patel
- Late Dr. Dahyabhai Lalbhai Patel, first doctor from Chijgam, practiced in Abrama, helped build road from Chijgam to Abrama around 1947.
- Mr. Vallabhbhai Lalbhai Patel, brother of Dr. Dahyabhai Lalbhai Patel, Ex-Deputy Superintendent of Police (DYSP) in Gujarat and now resides in Boston, USA.
[edit] External links
Image of Chijgam's Location:
- Chijgam's other website: http://www.chijgam.com
- Navsari - Chijgam is located 8-10 miles southwest of this town, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navsari
