Rajput Joia (Muslim traditions) in Pakistan


Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge
* From latest Pakistan 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 categories of castes) in Hindu society, while their followers became the fourth and lowest varna. Priests became the Brahmins, the highest of the four varnas.

Rajputs, who were part of the Kshatrya varna, became politically important in the seventh century. From around 800 AD Rajput dynasties ruled northern India. Petty Rajput kingdoms were the main obstacle to 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 concentrated in India's northwestern state of Rajasthan, though there are Rajputs all over India. Pakistan also has Rajput communities, mostly in Punjab Province.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Though many Rajputs are still in the armed forces or own land, many have moved on to other livelihoods. Some 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.

They 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 Rajputs were once Hindu, some 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?

Rajputs are admired in South Asia for their historical and military accomplishments. Rajputs presently are going through something of an identity crisis. They can no longer depend on land ownership or military careers, especially with the Indian government reserving prestigious jobs for underprivileged castes. Believers with the right skills can help them during this time of transition.


Prayer Points

Pray for Rajput communities to increasingly grow in awareness of Jesus, His life and His sacrifice for them.
Pray the Lord will give Rajput leaders spiritual hunger, then satisfy that hunger with Christ.
Pray these people will understand the value of becoming part of God's royal family.
Pray for 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.
Pray for Rajput families to accept the abundant blessings and guidance offered only by Jesus Christ.


Scripture Prayers for the Rajput Joia (Muslim traditions) in Pakistan.


References

https://joshuaproject.net/unreached/4
https://joshuaproject.net/index.php/people_groups/17928/IN
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Rajput_clans
http://induhistory.blogspot.com/p/rajput-history.html
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Rajput
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajput
http://allrajputyouthwing.weebly.com/muslim-rajputs-history.html
https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-difference-between-a-Kshatriya-and-a-Rajpoot
http://www.everyculture.com/wc/Germany-to-Jamaica/Rajputs.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajput_clans


Profile Source:   Keith Carey  

The Rajputs

Source:  Asia Harvest      Download

People Name General Rajput Joia (Muslim traditions)
People Name in Country Rajput Joia (Muslim traditions)
Alternate Names राजपूत, जोइया (मुस्लिम ट्रेडिशन्स)
Population this Country 749,000
Population all Countries 751,000
Total Countries 2
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
Pioneer Workers Needed 15
People ID 20238
ROP3 Code 115982
ROP25 Code 306917
ROP25 Name Rajput
Country Pakistan
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 7  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Total States on file 4
Largest States
Punjab
652,000
Sindh
96,000
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa
1,100
Islamabad
500
Country Pakistan
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 7  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Total States 4
  Punjab 652,000
  Sindh 96,000
  Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 1,100
  Islamabad 500
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 Pakistan census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.
Primary Language Saraiki (345,000 speakers)
Language Code skr   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 11
Secondary Languages
Punjabi, Western
188,000
Marwari
73,000
Sindhi
68,000
Urdu
63,000
Bagri
6,100
Hindko, Southern
2,600
Pahari-Potwari
1,200
Dhatki
1,100
Hindko, Northern
600
Pashto, Northern
80
Primary Language Saraiki (345,000 speakers)
Language Code skr   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 11
Secondary Languages
  Punjabi, Western 188,000
  Marwari 73,000
  Sindhi 68,000
  Urdu 63,000
  Bagri 6,100
  Hindko, Southern 2,600
  Pahari-Potwari 1,200
  Dhatki 1,100
  Hindko, Northern 600
  Pashto, Northern 80
People Groups Speaking Saraiki
Map Source People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project  
Video Source Asia Harvest
Profile Source Keith Carey 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.



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