Gaidher or Gaidhar is a word of Gujarati, Kutchi and Rajasthani language. The word Gaidher derives its origin from the word Gadh or Garh. The word Gadh in north Indian languages like Hindi, Gujarati, Rajasthani, Marwari, Marathi means a fort, like Chittorgarh, Sinhgadh, Mehrangadh.
The persons who were expert and had skilled knowledge to plan and build a fort were called Gaidher or Gaidhar. Gaidhar literally also means a construction foreman or a Master Mason.[1]. Forts were built at strategic locations, often on a hill-top, to guard the kingdoms. Gaidhar held a important place in king's court and were looked upon with respect.
Gaidhar were appointed by kings, upon their skills and also loyalty. Gaidher were persons of high integrity as they used to make the blue-print of fort and whole forts were erected under his supervision and guidance. The kings used to trust them and they had the power and authority to hire manual laborers and skilled masons for such construction works. For example, members from Mistri community, who were master-builders, were usually appointed as Gaidher in Princely State of Cutch.[2]
In English, tn can be defined as Chief Engineer. Usually one Gaidher was appointed by the king as Gaidher of the "Raaj" (kingdom). Sometimes upon requirement another, two or three Gaidhers were then appointed with his consultation by king and they used to work under head Gaidher as their assistants, Something like Assistant Engineer.
This is also one of the occupational surnames found in persons of India or Indian origin. In India or persons of Indian origin you can find many people using Gaidhar or Gaidher as a surname. The persons using this surname are usually found in people of Rajasthan and Gujarat. As explained above, the descendants of persons working as Gaidher, later started using it as a surname.