Introduction / History

The Thanapati are one of the Mali communities, formerly called Gandhamali. The Mali are usually landowners. The community owns land, but they are better known for their devotion to the Hindu god Shiva. They have served as priests in Shivite temples through the centuries. This gives them much respect from others in Hindu society.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Higher status often requires one to refrain from meat in Hindu society, and that goes for the Thanapati Mali. They are not entirely vegetarian, however, since they eat fish and eggs. Rice is their staple food, but they eat mainly vegetables and fruit.

Marriages are initiated by the woman’s family, and they involve negotiation with his family. There is no dowry payment, but everyone provides gifts for the new bride.

As one of the Mali communities, the Thanapati are landowners. This is how they earn their living. They also earn money from those who visit their Shiva temples.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Thanapati are devoted to Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction. But they also have a more localized form of spirituality based on their clans or gotras. There are four gotras, each represented by an animal/totem. These gotras regulate who marries who and helps them trace their ancestry.

What Are Their Needs?

The Thanapati Mali people need a John 10:10 blessing: The abundant life Jesus offers those who are willing to submit to his lordship.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Thanapati Mali culture to be renewed and enhanced by a work of the Holy Spirit and shaped into a God-centered and God-honoring mold.

Pray for the Holy Spirit to move among their family and community leaders to seek his face and enjoy his blessings.

Pray for the Lord to thrust out workers who will be compelled to nurture a disciple making movement among the Thanapati Mali people.

Pray that soon the Thanapati Mali people will have faith that will lead them to live honorable lives that will draw others to the savior.

Pray for spiritual discernment and a hunger for true spirituality.

Scripture Prayers for the Mali Thanapati in India.

References

People of India, Vol 16. K.S. Singh. 2013