Although most of the 'mandis' and business centres in cities and towns of the northern states like Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi are the real strongholds of the community today, Agrawals can be found in almost every state, particularly in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Assam and West Bengal. By and large being businessmen and traders, the Agrawals enjoy a fair share of representation in several other professions as well. If the community has produced numerous renowned businessmen and industrialists like the Dalmias, Modis, Singhanias, Srirams and Bajajs, it has also produced a number of distinguished jurists, educationists, scientists, engineers, politicians, doctors, philosophers, poets and scholars. Being engaged in one of the most lucrative professions, the Agrawals are generally looked upon as affluent class. But except for a small percentage of rich businessmen and industrialists and some others, the hard core of the community consists of ordinary shopkeepers and tradesmen. The Marwari Agrawals of Rajasthan excel the rest in business acumen. They have done particularly well in Assam and West Bengal where some have built huge industrial empires. It is a virile, dynamic community, full of life, drive and initiative that rejoices during the various social, religious and national functions and festivals with great zest. |