Introduction / History

The Banias originated over 5,000 years ago in Gujarat and Rajasthan, 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. Throughout history they were traders of grain and spices. 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.
There are smaller groups of Banias, one of which is the Khandelwal. They live all over India.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Khandelwal Banias are known for their community involvement as businesspeople. They faithfully support members of their own caste. If a Khandelwal man is in financial trouble, members of his community usually provide funds to help him start his business again.
In history we read that the word Bania derives from the Banyan tree. Under the Banyan tree the Khandelwal people once sat and discussed business. Today they no longer sit under the Banyan tree; instead, they carry out business in corporate buildings.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Picture a large shopping center and replace the stores with Hindu temples. This describes the complex known as "Khandea Dham." This complex is filled with a variety of beautiful Hindu temples. The Khandelwal Banias who do not live in this area make pilgrimages to Khandea Dham. For these Hindus the pilgrimage is supposed to bring them closer to their gods. They are generous with their money in supporting Hindu temples.

What Are Their Needs?

Khandelwal Banias live scattered all over India, but few if any have bowed their knees to Jesus Christ. They need people who love and obey the Lord to take his mercy and love to them.

Prayer Items

Pray for God to send businesspeople who love Jesus to work with the Khandelwals.
Pray that they will build relationships with the Khandelwals that give them the opportunity to share Jesus Christ with these faithful Hindus.
Pray for leaders in the Khandelwal Bania community to have the spiritual discernment it takes to seek and find Jesus Christ.

Scripture Prayers for the Bania Khandelwal in India.

References

Some information from “The Scheduled Castes” K. S. Singh, ed. Oxford University Press, USA (1994)