The name "Bania" is derived from Vaniji, which means "trader" in Sanskrit, an ancient South Asian language. The Jaiswal are a sub-group of the Bania peoples who live in India. Of the four major varnas (caste clusters of Hinduism), Banias are in the third one, the Vaishyas. 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. The Bania tend to resent the higher two varnas, the Brahmins and the Kshatriyas. 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.
There are many Bania groups, one of which is the Jaiswal.
Ironically, the Banias are often resented by others. They are known to charge excessive 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 up their land and farms for collateral in case they cannot pay back their loans.
Jaiswal Bania children learn early to "never give; always bargain and make money." From an early age, children are drilled in math and detailed calculations with the purpose of getting the upper hand in business transactions. Fathers pass business skills to their sons. Jaiswal Bania parents strongly encourage their children, especially the boys, to obtain graduate degrees related to business.
Monogamy or marriage to one spouse is the norm among Bania groups.
The majority of Jaiswals are Hindus who have not heard about the riches that God has stored up for them in heaven if they will turn their lives over to him. Instead, they usually worship Hindu gods and goddesses such as Ganesha, the one who helps overcome obstacles.
The Jaiswals generally do not feel the need for Christ. They need the desire to see beyond the natural world.
Pray the Jaiswal Banias will hear about the greatest deal of all time: salvation through Jesus Christ.
Pray they will invest in the lives of others by spreading the gospel.
Pray for the Lord to thrust out dedicated workers to go to the Jaiswals and other Bania communities.
Scripture Prayers for the Bania Jaiswal in India.
Some information from “The Scheduled Castes” K. S. Singh, ed. Oxford University Press, USA (1994)
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
