Bania or "Baniya" is a Sanskrit word that means "trader." The Startup Journal, a secular Indian paper, reports they are experts in bookkeeping and trading. They have the business knowledge and a willingness to take financial risks. They are meticulous bookkeepers, and seldom miss opportunities to make money. They can splurge when necessary and can adapt to India's fast-changing circumstances. The Nema are a Bania subcaste. The origin of their name is obscure. Most of the Nema live in central India.
The Nema are keen businessmen, and a saying about them is, "Where a sheep grazes or a Nema trades, what is there left for anybody else?" They have 14 clans, each named after an ancient prince.
Though there is a strong Hindu minority among the Nima Banias, most are Jains. Jainism was originally a reform movement within Hinduism. They trace their history through 24 saviors and teachers. They believe in non-violence, which has resulted in many adhering to a vegetarian diet. Their belief in a many-sided reality means that truth is too complex to adequately communicate. They believe in non-attachment to material goods, which has led many of them into a life of ascetism. They believe that attachments to material things leads to violence. Ironically, Jains can be among India's richest people, while others lead lives without any property, even clothes.
The Nema Banias need to put their trust in Jesus Christ rather than worldly wealth. The Nema need to see that only Jesus Christ can forgive their sins and give them a meaningful life.
Ask God to lead many Nema to investigate the claims of Christ. Pray for a movement to Christ among the Nema Banias this decade. Pray for the Lord to send out workers to the Nema Banias to tell them the good news.
Scripture Prayers for the Bania Nima in India.
India Missions Association, Edited by Philipose Vaidyar, Copyrighted © Used with permission
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bania_(caste)
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
