Rajput Pundir (Hindu traditions) in India

The Rajput Pundir (Hindu traditions) have only been reported in India
Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge
* From latest India census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.

Introduction / History

Starting in the 5th century, there was a massive attack by the White Huns in what is now northern and northwestern India and Pakistan. About a century later the reigning Hindu-based Gupta Empire broke up, leaving the Subcontinent vulnerable to Muslim invaders from the north. As time went on, invaders took over land and integrated with the settled peoples of this region. Tribal leaders, especially those involved with defense, were accepted as Kshatrya, the second highest varna (major categories of castes) in Hindu society, while their followers became the fourth and lowest varna. Priests became the Brahmins, the highest of the four varnas.

Rajputs, who were part of the Kshatrya varna, became politically important in the seventh century. From around 800 AD Rajput dynasties ruled northern India. Petty Rajput kingdoms were the main obstacle to Muslim domination of the Hindu subcontinent. For hundreds of years Rajputs were the warriors who defended kingdoms from invaders and conquered others. When possible, Rajputs settled down, became nobles, and enjoyed the lives of landed gentry.

Over a period of a couple hundred years, invaders penetrated the Rajput wall that protected the Subcontinent. Some Rajput subgroups converted to Islam during this time. The British Empire put an end to the Moghul Empire, but they recruited Rajputs into their military units. After independence, Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi abolished Rajput titles and property rights. The Rajputs have kept alive their proud history of conquest, bravery, and military might.


Where Are they Located?

Rajputs are concentrated in India's northwestern state of Rajasthan, though there are Rajputs all over India. Pakistan also has Rajput communities, mostly in Punjab Province.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Though many Rajputs are still in the armed forces or own land, many have moved on to other livelihoods. Some Rajputs now own impressive hotels in Rajasthan where tourists can be introduced to their history and culture. Rajputs who aren't so fortunate work as small businessmen or wage laborers.

They try to marry their daughters into clans of higher rank than their own. The Rajput clans in Rajasthan have the highest status, so families want their daughters to marry men from that state. Unfortunately, Rajputs often marry their daughters off while they are very young.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Forward caste Hindus often become devotees of several gods. Typically, Rajputs worship Shiva (the destroyer), Surya (the sun god), and Durga (the mother goddess). They also have patron gods to turn to for protection. They celebrate Dasahara, a festival dedicated to Durga. During this festival they sacrifice a buffalo to celebrate this goddess' victory over a buffalo demon.

Many Rajput Hindus are looking for self-realization and self-awareness. To find spiritual answers, Hindus often turn to gurus, who are experts in spirituality.


What Are Their Needs?

Rajputs are admired in South Asia for their historical and military accomplishments. Rajputs presently are going through something of an identity crisis. They can no longer depend on land ownership or military careers, especially with the Indian government reserving prestigious jobs for underprivileged castes. Believers with the right skills can help them during this time of transition.


Prayer Points

Pray for Rajput communities to increasingly grow in awareness of Jesus, His life and His sacrifice for them.
Pray the Lord will give Rajput leaders spiritual hunger, then satisfy that hunger with Christ.
Pray these people will understand the value of becoming part of God's royal family.
Pray for Holy Spirit led humility for all Rajput communities to fall at the feet of the King of kings.
Pray for a disciple making movement among every Rajput community.
Pray for Rajput families to accept the abundant blessings and guidance offered only by Jesus Christ.


Scripture Prayers for the Rajput Pundir (Hindu traditions) in India.


References

https://joshuaproject.net/unreached/4
https://joshuaproject.net/index.php/people_groups/17928/IN
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Rajput_clans
http://induhistory.blogspot.com/p/rajput-history.html
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Rajput
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajput
http://allrajputyouthwing.weebly.com/muslim-rajputs-history.html
https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-difference-between-a-Kshatriya-and-a-Rajpoot
http://www.everyculture.com/wc/Germany-to-Jamaica/Rajputs.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajput_clans
http://www.dawn.com/news/1077113


Profile Source:   Keith Carey  

The Rajputs

Source:  Asia Harvest      Download

People Name General Rajput Pundir (Hindu traditions)
People Name in Country Rajput Pundir (Hindu traditions)
Alternate Names राजपूत, पुंदीर (हिंदू ट्रेडिशन्स)
Population this Country 216,000
Population all Countries 216,000
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
Pioneer Workers Needed 4
People ID 20422
ROP3 Code 116206
ROP25 Code 306917
ROP25 Name Rajput
Country India
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 11  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Total States on file 18
Largest States
(only 15 largest shown)
Uttar Pradesh
94,000
Bihar
33,000
Gujarat
16,000
Haryana
15,000
Madhya Pradesh
13,000
Uttarakhand
10,000
Himachal Pradesh
7,200
Rajasthan
6,300
West Bengal
4,500
Maharashtra
4,300
Jharkhand
3,400
Jammu and Kashmir
3,300
Punjab
1,900
Odisha
900
Chhattisgarh
700
Districts Interactive map, listing and data download
Specialized Website South Asia Peoples
Country India
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 11  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Total States 18
  Uttar Pradesh 94,000
  Bihar 33,000
  Gujarat 16,000
  Haryana 15,000
  Madhya Pradesh 13,000
  Uttarakhand 10,000
  Himachal Pradesh 7,200
  Rajasthan 6,300
  West Bengal 4,500
  Maharashtra 4,300
  Jharkhand 3,400
  Jammu and Kashmir 3,300
  Punjab 1,900
  Odisha 900
  Chhattisgarh 700
Website South Asia Peoples
Primary Religion: Hinduism
Major Religion Percent *
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.00 %)
0.00 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
100.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
* From latest India census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.
Primary Language Hindi (137,000 speakers)
Language Code hin   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 29
Secondary Languages
(only 15 largest shown)
Gujarati
11,000
Bhojpuri
11,000
Awadhi
2,900
Bengali
2,300
Garhwali
1,900
Dogri
1,800
Marwari
1,500
Punjabi, Eastern
1,500
Marathi
1,300
Kumaoni
1,300
Haryanvi
1,100
Dhundari
1,000
Maithili
900
Pahari, Mahasu
800
Kacchi
700
Primary Language Hindi (137,000 speakers)
Language Code hin   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 29
Secondary Languages (only 15 largest shown)
  Gujarati 11,000
  Bhojpuri 11,000
  Awadhi 2,900
  Bengali 2,300
  Garhwali 1,900
  Dogri 1,800
  Marwari 1,500
  Punjabi, Eastern 1,500
  Marathi 1,300
  Kumaoni 1,300
  Haryanvi 1,100
  Dhundari 1,000
  Maithili 900
  Pahari, Mahasu 800
  Kacchi 700
People Groups Speaking Hindi

Primary Language:  Hindi

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1806-1962)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (1811-1998)
Bible-Complete Yes  (1818-2022)
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Film / Video God's Story video God's Story
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Photo Source Anonymous 
Map Source People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project  
Video Source Asia Harvest
Profile Source Keith Carey 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.



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