Introduction / History

Though the Basith speak a Pahari language with one another, they usually also speak Hindi or Urdu as a trade language with outsiders.

Most live in Jammu and Kashmir, in India's far north.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The men drink alcohol, which they buy at local markets. Relationships between men and women are unusual. When there is a divorce, the man is responsible for the children. Daughters share in parental inheritance that usually only goes to sons. Women contribute to the family income by doing odd jobs and enjoy equal status with men. Basith couples prefer small families with only about three children.

What Are Their Beliefs?

They are Hindu, but not vegetarian. They worship Hindu gods as well as their own clan deities.

What Are Their Needs?

These people need to put their hope and identity in the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Prayer Items

Pray for Pahari, Hindi, and Urdu materials to find their way into Basith communities. Pray for believers to use drama and storying techniques to teach them biblical messages.

Scripture Prayers for the Basith (Hindu traditions) in India.

References

The Scheduled Castes K. S. Singh, ed. Oxford University Press, USA (1994)