Khartargachh (also written as Khartar Gaccha / Kharatara Gaccha) is a Śvetāmbara Mūrtipūjak Jain gaccha, i.e. a monastic order and its lay followers within the idol‑worshipping Śvetāmbara tradition.

In very simple words:

• What is a “gaccha”?

In Śvetāmbara Mūrtipūjak Jains, different groups of sādhus, sādhvīs and their lay followers are called gaccha (like “orders” or “lineages”), e.g. Tapāgaccha, Khartargachh, Añcala Gaccha, etc.

• What is special about Khartargachh?

- It is one of the oldest existing Śvetāmbara Mūrtipūjak gacchas. - It strongly emphasizes strict following of Jain Āgamas and original scriptures. - Its ācāryas were known for sharp scriptural debate and for defending Jain principles in royal courts and in front of other sects.

• Meaning of the word “Khartar / Kharatara” (traditional explanation):

Common traditional understanding: - “Khara” – pure, straight, firm - “Tara” – beyond, higher So Khartara is often explained as: “beyond (even) purity” or “the very firm/right path”, i.e. those who hold very firmly to the true Jain doctrine.

• Important points of identity (in practice):

- They are Śvetāmbara Mūrtipūjak (white‑clad, idol‑worshipping). - They have their own ācārya‑paramparā (lineage of teachers). - Many cities (especially in Rajasthan and nearby regions) have Khartargachh temples, dadābāṛīs and sanghs. - Their panchāng (calendar) and some ritual details (fasting days, observances, etc.) may have small differences from other Śvetāmbara gacchas like Tapāgaccha.

• Relation to other Jain traditions:

- Khartargachh is within Śvetāmbara Mūrtipūjak only. - Digambar Jains and Sthānakvāsī / Terāpanthī Śvetāmbaras are separate traditions, not part of Khartargachh.

In short: Khartargachh is a very old Śvetāmbara Mūrtipūjak Jain order known for its strict faith in the Jain scriptures and a strong tradition of scholarship and debate, with its own temples, dadābāṛīs and ācārya‑lineage.