Introduction / History

The Terai is a plains region which straddles India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal where it is the country's most productive district. Until the mid 1700s the Terai was composed of a number of small kingdoms. A large part of the economy now involves logging, which began in the 1920s. Typically they strip away the logs for lumber then replace the trees with farmland. Today agriculture is foundational to the economy. Major crops include rice, wheat, sugarcane, jute, tobacco, and maize. Beekeeping and honey are also important parts of the local economy.

There are many ethnic communities and social groups including Brahmins. The Brahmins are small enough that they are hardly mentioned in the context of this region of Nepal, but they are undoubtedly a leading community in the local economy.

Where Are they Located?

Terai Brahmins are located in India and Nepal.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The rate of literacy among Brahmin men, whose traditional priestly role required them to read sacred Hindu texts, is well above Nepal's national average.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Since they have the highest status of any Hindu varna, Brahmins believe that they have everything to lose by "converting" to another religious system. A Brahmin believes he is on the verge of reaching nirvana if he earns good karma in this life by doing what he is supposed to do. He believes that it took thousands of years of being reincarnated to reach the high state he now enjoys. Switching to a "different God" would surely result in an inferior reincarnation after he dies. To reach them for Christ someone will have to enter their world and learn how to communicate in the Brahmin way.

What Are Their Needs?

It will take people who are well educated and have a good grasp of Brahmin thinking to successfully reach them for Christ. They will need to have enough empathy to explain the ways of Jesus in a manner that would make sense to Terai Brahmins.

Prayer Points

* Brahmins are the key community who uphold Hinduism. Pray that the light of the gospel breaks through the veil that blinds this community.
* Pray that the true God will reveal Himself to this community and use Terai Brahmins to preach and teach about Jesus Christ.
* Pray for a disciple making movement to flourish among every Brahmin community.

References

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/309416202_Dowry_a_contemporary_landscape_in_the_Brahmin_community_of_the_Terai_in_Nepal
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caste_system_in_Nepal
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terai
https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/16521/NP
http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-3458000468.html
http://www.greathimalayatrails.com/ght-about-nepal/brahmin-chhetri-people/