Introduction / History

They trace their origin to the Arab community Qaum-e-Bawahas who settled in Surat and Kheda districts. The three endogamous divisions among the Bohra are Surti, Patni and Kanamia Bohr. The Daudi, Salaimani and Alavi are a few groups among them. Gujarati is their main language.

In Rajasthan their mother tongue is Urdu and they use the Perso-Arabic script. The males wear a typical white cap with golden zari. Gujarati is spoken at home. Urdu and Telugu are other languages spoken by them.

Where Are they Located?

They are mostly traders and live in Gujarat, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Bohra women wear a bright green bourdka (veiled dress) that set them apart from the scores of other Muslim women who wear brown, dark blue, or black bourdkas. They pride themselves on being a distinctive, prosperous people. Their tightly knit community, high level of education and business success make them an influential force, often to the envy of other Muslim sects and the Hindu majority. Their staple cereals are wheat and maize. Both parallel and cross-cousin marriages are permitted. Circumcision is observed for male children. Traditionally they are weavers and cloth-painters. Now they are engaged in cloth trade. The Bohra women are generally well educated. They are experts in knitting caps.

What Are Their Beliefs?

They obey Hazrat Ali, the fourth khalipha of Muhammed. West Bengal: Two divisions exist: the Ismali Shia (Daudi Bohra) and the Sunni Bohra. They live in Kolkata, Mushidabad, etc. Andhra Pradesh: They are called Bohara and have come from Gujarat. They live in Hyderabad, Secunderabad, Vishakapatnam and Kurnool. The Bohra of Tamil Nadu follow the Ismaili-shia faith.

Prayer Points

* Pray that the Bohras discover that worldly success is worthless compared to the riches of knowing Christ,
* Pray that God creates in the Bohras hearts a deep hunger to know Him personally.
* Pray that God sends His servants to witness to this people group.