Introduction / History

The Bhumihar of India are also called Babhan. They are a Brahmin people and work in agriculture. They are Hindus by religion.

In Bihar, the Bhumihar speak Magahi, Maithili and Hindi. They read and write in Devanagari. They are not vegetarians and they like wheat and rice for cereals. They prefer adult marriages by discussion. They are monogamous. Widowers can marry again but not widows. Property is divided among the sons with the oldest son becoming in charge by inheritance. Women take an important part in social and religious events. There are baby naming and marriage ceremonies and the dead are cremated. They are mainly landowners. Some are in business and others in government work. Their children are educated.

In Uttar Pradesh the Bhumihar are similar to those in Bihar but they are vegetarians. Widowers, widows and divorcees can all marry again. They enjoy folk songs and folk stories.

Prayer Points

* Pray that God will give the Bhumihar dreams and visions leading them to Salvation.
* Pray that gospel materials will bring them to Jesus Christ.
* The Brahmin are a higher caste. Pray that pride will not get in the way of them coming to Jesus Christ.

References

Singh, K. S., ed. "India's Communities A-Z", Oxford University Press, USA 1999