Introduction / History

The Rathi are a Rajput clan that was traditionally nomadic. The name Rathi comes from the breed of cattle they raise. As time went on they were forced to abandon their nomadic livestyle and become only semi-nomadic, meaning they were settled for part of the year.

Where Are they Located?

Rajputs are concentrated in India's northwestern state of Rajasthan, though there are Rajputs all over the country. Muslim members of the Rathi clan live in Pakistan's 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. 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?

Forward caste Hindus often become devotees of a couple of gods. Typically, Hindu 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, who are experts in spirituality.

What Are Their Needs?

The Rathi 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 Items

Pray for the Rathi Rajput community to increasingly grow in awareness of Jesus and their need for Him.
Pray the Lord will give Rathi 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 Rathi in India.

References

https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/20426/IN
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rath_tribe
https://www.jatland.com/home/Rathi
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