Rajput Mahratta (Hindu traditions) in India

The Rajput Mahratta (Hindu traditions) have only been reported 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 800CE 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. In the early 1970s, 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?

The Mahratta Rajput clan lives mainly in India's state of Maharashtra, though some also live in Gujarat or Madhya Pradesh.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Though Mahratta 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 often 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?

Forward caste Hindus often become devotees of a couple of gods. Typically, Rajputs worship Shiva (the destroyer), Surya (the sun god), and Durga (the mother goddess). They also have patron gods to turn to for protection. They celebrate Dasahara, a festival dedicated to Durga. During this festival, they sacrifice a buffalo to celebrate this goddess' victory over a buffalo demon. To find spiritual answers, Hindus often turn to gurus.


What Are Their Needs?

Mahratta 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 Mahratta Rajput community to increasingly grow in awareness of Jesus, his life and his sacrifice for them.
Pray the Lord will give Mahratta 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 Mahratta (Hindu traditions) in India.


References

https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/20413/IN
https://www.quora.com/Who-are-superior-between-rajputs-and-marathas
https://books.google.com/books?id=PqsMAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA289&lpg=PA289&dq=Mahratta+Rajputs&source=bl&ots=g80Yu-QwKF&sig=NjK-cc93WrTt29xx-AkRdFm_4K8&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjC2NeojPXRAhWqj1QKHZ0ZA-gQ6AEIPDAF
https://joshuaproject.net/index.php/people_groups/17928/IN
http://induhistory.blogspot.com/p/rajput-history.html
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Rajput
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajput


Profile Source:   Keith Carey  

The Rajputs

Source:  Asia Harvest      Download

People Name General Rajput Mahratta (Hindu traditions)
People Name in Country Rajput Mahratta (Hindu traditions)
Alternate Names राजपूत, महरातटा (हिंदू ट्रेडिशन्स)
Population this Country 94,000
Population all Countries 94,000
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
Pioneer Workers Needed 2
People ID 20413
ROP3 Code 116197
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 6
Largest States
Maharashtra
82,000
Gujarat
6,400
Madhya Pradesh
4,000
Delhi
500
Kerala
500
Telangana
300
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 6
  Maharashtra 82,000
  Gujarat 6,400
  Madhya Pradesh 4,000
  Delhi 500
  Kerala 500
  Telangana 300
Website South Asia Peoples
Primary Religion: Hinduism
Major Religion Percent *
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.00 %)
0.00 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
100.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
* From latest India census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.
Primary Language Marathi (52,000 speakers)
Language Code mar   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 6
Secondary Languages
Khandesi
17,000
Hindi
5,600
Gujarati
2,100
Ahirani
1,100
Konkani
300
Primary Language Marathi (52,000 speakers)
Language Code mar   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 6
Secondary Languages
  Khandesi 17,000
  Hindi 5,600
  Gujarati 2,100
  Ahirani 1,100
  Konkani 300
People Groups Speaking Marathi

Primary Language:  Marathi

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1807-1957)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (1811-1982)
Bible-Complete Yes  (1821-2022)
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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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