• In Jainism, there is no single fixed caste system like in some Hindu traditions. Surnames among Jains often reflect family lineage, regional origin, or trade, not a doctrinal Jain category. So “Gandhi” as a surname is a family/lineage name you’ll find among Jain families, especially in Gujarat and among merchant communities, rather than a separate Jain caste.

• Notable Jain with the Gandhi surname: Virchand Raghavji Gandhi, a renowned Jain scholar who represented Jainism at the 1893 World Parliament of Religions in Chicago. This shows that the Gandhi surname is present in Jain scholarly and mercantile circles, but it does not define a unique Jain caste.

• Vaniya (Banija/Bania/Vania) in Jain contexts: Vaniya is a mercantile community label frequently seen among Jains who historically engaged in trade and business. Within Jainism, Vaniya is more about community/gotra-style grouping and regional customs than a spiritual lineage. Practices can differ between Digambar and Shwetambar traditions. You can read more about how these community names appear in Jain contexts here

If you’d like, I can narrow this further to a specific Jain region (e.g., Gujarati Jains, Oswal/Modh groups, etc.) and explain how surnames like Gandhi are used there.