Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow
Uniting Agrawal families across Chicagoland
Our Growing Community
Building bridges across generations and neighborhoods in Chicagoland
Members
across Chicagoland
Years
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celebrations & gatherings
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महाराजा अग्रसेन
Maharaja Agrasen · King of Agroha
Every CAA family descends from Maharaja Agrasen of Agroha.
एक ईंट, एक रुपया
“One brick, one coin for every newcomer — a society built on equality.”
— The founding principle of Maharaja Agrasen · ~5,000 years ago
Long before Chicago existed, a king in the ancient kingdom of Agroha decreed that no Agrawal family should ever start from nothing. Every arriving household would receive a brick and a coin from every existing home — a promise of shelter, opportunity, and belonging.
At CAA, that vow still holds. We're the Chicagoland chapter of a family five thousand years in the making— carrying the legacy forward through festivals, service, and a community that shows up for its own.
His Three Teachings
Equality among all, rich or poor
Service to the community first
Non-violence in thought and deed
The 18 Gotras of the Agrawal Community
Every Agrawal family traces its lineage through one of 17 full gotras and one half gotra, all descending from the sons of Maharaja Agrasen — a legacy spanning more than 5,000 years.
What is a Gotra?
A gotra is a patrilineal clan identifier rooted in ancient Vedic tradition. It traces an unbroken lineage from a common ancestor. For Agrawals, all 18 gotras descend directly from Maharaja Agrasen's sons and grandsons.
Why 17½ Gotras?
Airan is called the “half gotra” because it was established by the son of a daughter (rather than a direct son) of Maharaja Agrasen — giving the community its distinctive 17½ count.
Gotras & Marriage
Traditionally, Agrawal families do not marry within the same gotra, preserving distinct family lineages across generations while keeping the community united.
* Airan is considered the half gotra (½ gotra)
Our Photo Gallery
Capturing moments of joy, celebration, and togetherness
✦ Why Join CAA? ✦
Your membership, your community
For just $30/year per family, unlock the full CAA ecosystem — from events to a private family network.
