Introduction / History

Laptops and stock market quotes are not what might typically come to mind when you think of India; but India's economy is changing very rapidly, making such things common in today's world. India's rapidly growing economy leans heavily on Bania communities like the Komtes. For centuries, the Komte Banias have enjoyed a monopoly in trade and business, thanks to their caste. They are one of the many money lending Bania subgroups. There are also many shopkeepers and sellers of dry goods among them. If you were a Bania and fell upon hard financial times, you would be provided for to a certain extent by your fellow Komtes. Beggars are very rare among any Bania group, including the Komtes.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Komtes are bound together by a strong sense of caste devotion. Komte men settle disputes at meetings rather than allow disputes to fester. Smaller offences are punished with fines; more serious ones are referred to their religious leader who has the authority to banish people from the caste, if necessary.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Komte Banias are some of the least reached people in India. There are very few of them known to be followers of Jesus.

Prayer Points

* Pray that the rapid changes that have come to India will give the Komte Banias a chance to hear about Christ.
* Pray that they will not see biblical Christianity as a Western religion, but as a relationship with Jesus.

References

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