Rajput Chauhan (Muslim traditions) in India


Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge
* From latest India census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.

Introduction / History

Starting in the 5th century, there was a massive attack by the White Huns in what is now northern and northwestern India and Pakistan. About a century later the reigning Hindu-based Gupta Empire broke up, leaving the Subcontinent vulnerable to Muslim invaders from the north. As time went on, invaders took over land and integrated with the settled peoples of this region. Tribal leaders, especially those involved with defense, were accepted as Kshatrya, the second highest varna (major type of castes) in Hindu society, while their followers became the fourth and lowest varna. Priests became the Brahmins, the highest of the four varnas.

The Rajputs, who were part of the Kshatrya varna, became politically important in the seventh century. From around 800 Rajput dynasties ruled northern India. Petty Rajput kingdoms were the main obstacle for Muslim domination of the Hindu subcontinent. For hundreds of years Rajputs were the warriors who defended kingdoms from invaders and conquered others. When possible, Rajputs settled down, became nobles, and enjoyed the lives of landed gentry.

Over a period of a couple hundred years, invaders penetrated the Rajput wall that protected the Subcontinent. Some Rajput subgroups converted to Islam during this time. The British Empire put an end to the Moghul Empire, but they recruited Rajputs into their military units. After independence, Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi abolished Rajput titles and property rights. The Rajputs have kept alive their proud history of conquest, bravery, and military might.


Where Are they Located?

Rajputs are divided by clans such as the Chauhans, which live in different parts of India.

Chauhan Rajputs are concentrated in India's northwestern state of Rajasthan, where they were a very powerful clan 1,000 years ago.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Though many Chauhan Rajputs are still in the armed forces or own land, many have moved on to other livelihoods. Wealthy Rajputs now own impressive hotels in Rajasthan where tourists can be introduced to their history and culture. Rajputs who aren't so fortunate work as small businessmen or wage laborers.

Rajputs try to marry their daughters into clans of higher rank than their own. The Rajput clans in Rajasthan have the highest status, so families want their daughters to marry men from that state. Unfortunately, Rajputs often marry their daughters off while they are very young.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Though all Rajputs were once Hindu, some clans like the Chauhans converted to Islam starting in the early 12th century. Sufi Muslim missionaries were instrumental in winning these Hindus to Islam, though others converted to Islam for political reasons. Conversion to Islam continued into the 19th century when the British were gaining power in the Subcontinent. It is important to note that conversions happen at the group level; entire Rajput clans converted to Islam, not individuals. Those who want to see Rajputs won to Jesus Christ should remember this.

Rajputs who have embraced Islam usually retain common social practices such as having their wives secluded (purdah). Those who are devout do their five daily ritual prayers, give alms to the poor, and go on the pilgrimage (haj) to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Muslims from all communities come together on Friday afternoons to pray and hear a sermon at local mosques.


What Are Their Needs?

Chauhan Rajputs are going through an identity crisis. They can no longer depend on land ownership or military careers, especially with the Indian government reserving prestigious jobs for "backward" (ie, underprivileged) castes. Believers with the right skills can help them during this time of transition.


Prayer Points

Pray for the Rajput community to increasingly grow in awareness of Jesus and why they need Him.
Pray the Lord will give Muslim Chauhan Rajputs a spiritual hunger, then satisfy that hunger.
Pray that these Rajputs will understand the value of becoming part of God's royal family.
Pray for a Holy Spirit led humility for all Rajput communities to fall at the feet of the King of kings.
Pray for a disciple making movement among every Rajput community.


Scripture Prayers for the Rajput Chauhan (Muslim traditions) in India.


References

https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/20235/IN
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chauhan
http://www.indianrajputs.com/history/chauhan.php
http://www.thikanarajputana.in/chauhan-history-of-chauhan-rajput/
http://allrajputyouthwing.weebly.com/muslim-rajputs-history.html


Profile Source:   Keith Carey  

People Name General Rajput Chauhan (Muslim traditions)
People Name in Country Rajput Chauhan (Muslim traditions)
Pronunciation RAHJ-put CHOH-hahn
Alternate Names राजपूत, चौहान (मुस्लिम ट्रेडिशन्स)
Population this Country 363,000
Population all Countries 1,850,000
Total Countries 3
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
Pioneer Workers Needed 7
People ID 20235
ROP3 Code 115979
ROP25 Code 306917
ROP25 Name Rajput
Country India
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 11  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Total States on file 10
Largest States
Uttar Pradesh
248,000
Haryana
33,000
Uttarakhand
21,000
Gujarat
20,000
Delhi
18,000
Jammu and Kashmir
15,000
Punjab
3,600
Rajasthan
3,300
Himachal Pradesh
400
Chandigarh
90
Districts Interactive map, listing and data download
Specialized Website South Asia Peoples
Country India
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 11  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Total States 10
  Uttar Pradesh 248,000
  Haryana 33,000
  Uttarakhand 21,000
  Gujarat 20,000
  Delhi 18,000
  Jammu and Kashmir 15,000
  Punjab 3,600
  Rajasthan 3,300
  Himachal Pradesh 400
  Chandigarh 90
Website South Asia Peoples
Primary Religion: Islam
Major Religion Percent *
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.00 %)
0.00 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
100.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
* From latest India census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.
Primary Language Urdu (255,000 speakers)
Language Code urd   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 15
Secondary Languages
Gujarati
13,000
Punjabi, Eastern
11,000
Kashmiri
10,000
Bhojpuri
7,400
Marwari
3,700
Awadhi
3,300
Garhwali
1,000
Dhundari
400
Haryanvi
200
Bagri
200
Pahari
200
Dogri
100
Kanauji
100
Khah
30
Primary Language Urdu (255,000 speakers)
Language Code urd   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 15
Secondary Languages
  Gujarati 13,000
  Punjabi, Eastern 11,000
  Kashmiri 10,000
  Bhojpuri 7,400
  Marwari 3,700
  Awadhi 3,300
  Garhwali 1,000
  Dhundari 400
  Haryanvi 200
  Bagri 200
  Pahari 200
  Dogri 100
  Kanauji 100
  Khah 30
People Groups Speaking Urdu

Primary Language:  Urdu

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1747-1894)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (1758-2000)
Bible-Complete Yes  (1843-2022)
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Photo Source Anonymous 
Map Source People Group Location: Omid. Other geography / data: GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project  
Profile Source Keith Carey 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.



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