Introduction / History

The Banias originated over 5,000 years ago, and they are also called Vania or Mahajan. Their name is derived from Vaniji, which means "trader" in Sanskrit, an ancient South Asian language.

Of the four major varnas (caste clusters), Banias are in the third one, the Vaishyas. This caste cluster has always been about trade, business, and money lending. They were usually traders of grain and spices throughout history.

Despite their high incomes, the Banias have only modest status in the Hindu caste pyramid. They resent the higher two varnas, the Brahmins and the Kshatriyas, and thus Banias have often been leaders in caste reform movements. Mahatma Gandhi is one example, but there have been many others throughout India's long history.

Srimali is one of the Bania subgroups that speaks Gujarati and lives in the western regions of India.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Members of the Bania caste are among the wealthiest people in India and even the world. A Srimali Bania might be the proud owner of a giant business, a small one, or he might be working in a bank. He might even own the bank. Others work in government ministries or as lawyers, judges, teachers, scholars, stockbrokers or engineers. They are often resented by other castes because they lend much needed money at high interest rates. A pre-literate farmer might take a loan from a Bania only to find that a high percentage of his harvest will be taken away as interest. Customers often must put their farms or their gold up for collateral on loans.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Nearly all Srimali Banias claim the Hindu religion, but as merchants they have chosen gods that reflect their profession. They worship the god of wealth, the god of good fortune and the god of money. These are the gods who drive their lives, gods that leave them with empty hearts.

What Are Their Needs?

There are few if any Christians in their community and they live in a place where Hinduism is unchallenged. The Srimali Banias will need to hear the gospel from someone who also has a business background. Such people must be fully devoted to Christ.

Prayer Points

Pray that the veil of deception would be lifted from the eyes of the Srimali Banias and that they would see that the only true wealth is the spiritual riches gained through a loving relationship with Jesus Christ. Pray that Christ's disciples would be called to work among them and share Christ in a culturally relevant way. Pray loving Bania disciples to make more disciples.

Scripture Prayers for the Bania Srimali in India.

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bania_(caste)