There are several subgroups of the Brahmins, one of which are the Haviks. The history of the Brahmins is associated with the Vedic religion of early India, usually referred to as Sanatana Dharma. Brahminism was first developed in the Vedic period, but how the modern caste system developed is a highly contested topic due to lack of clear data. Brahmins and kings became the dominant social and religious forces in many of the kingdoms that developed over pre-modern India. Discrimination became a feature of the caste system with Brahmins often being assigned blame for the system itself. Over time, Brahmins became a powerful and influential group in India and many discriminated against lower castes. Discerning opinions and heart attitudes is difficult, but it seems that only a small minority of today's Brahmins would uphold what was once considered Brahmin orthodoxy:that Brahmins are better by birth than all other peoples.
Brahmins are generally among the well-to-do in India and place a high value on education. Thus, an inordinate percentage of Brahmins are among the Hindus who have migrated to the West where they can be reached much more easily than in India. Probably most still perform daily worship rituals, but the growing forces of secularization and globalization in India are strongest among the Brahmins. Most are vegetarian but some groups eat some meat, particularly fish, and many individuals even from vegetarian Brahmin groups are now eating meat (rarely beef, and often meat eating is done in secret). Many Havik Brahmins grow areca nuts for a living. They are usually landowners. Some of them still perform priestly duties. Women help with agriculture.
Most modern Brahmins do not espouse a doctrine of their superiority by birth above other peoples. It was also noted that many are now secularists. But most Brahmins respect the ancient (and many not-so-ancient) traditions of their forefathers. Some work to synthesize modern science and Hindu beliefs and practices. There are hundreds of "denominations" of Hinduism and Brahmins have a presence in many; so it is not easy to generalize on what Brahmins believe. Some would be devotees of Vishnu or his avatars of Krishna or Ram, some would be devotees of Shiva, and some would be devotees of a goddess. Others are followers of modern gurus. Few today have seriously studied, let alone memorized, the ancient Vedas; but one is more likely to find a person knowledgeable about the Vedas and other Hindu texts and teachings among Brahmins than among any non-Brahmin caste group.
Like other people groups, the Havik Brahmins need to find the blessings that they can only obtain by sitting at the feet of Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords.
Brahmins are seen as knowledgeable and enlightened; pray for the light of the gospel to bring the knowledge of Christ to them, and pray wisdom for disciples of Jesus who befriend and share faith with Brahmins. Pray that the true God will reveal Himself to this community and use Brahmins to preach and teach about Jesus Christ. Pray for a disciple making movement among the Havik Brahmins.
Scripture Prayers for the Brahmin Havik in India.
Profile Source: Keith Carey |
Brahmin of India profile for Children and Family Missions Activities |
People Name General | Brahmin Havik |
People Name in Country | Brahmin Havik |
Natural Name | Havik Brahmin |
Alternate Names | Haiga; Haviaka Brahman; Haviga; Havika; Havyak; Havyak Brahman; Havyaka Brahman; Smartha Brahman; Smata Brahman |
Population this Country | 30,000 |
Population all Countries | 30,000 |
Total Countries | 1 |
Indigenous | Yes |
Progress Scale | 1 ● |
Unreached | Yes |
Frontier People Group | Yes |
Pioneer Workers Needed | 1 |
People ID | 21697 |
ROP3 Code | 118485 |
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 | 3 | |||
Largest States |
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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 | 3 |
Karnataka 24,000 | |
Kerala 6,000 | |
Maharashtra 200 | |
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 | Kannada (19,000 speakers) | |||
Language Code | kan Ethnologue Listing | |||
Language Written | Yes ScriptSource Listing | |||
Total Languages | 4 | |||
Secondary Languages |
|
Primary Language | Kannada (19,000 speakers) |
Language Code | kan Ethnologue Listing |
Total Languages | 4 |
Secondary Languages | |
Konkani, Goan 5,800 | |
Konkani 900 | |
Tulu 100 | |
People Groups | Speaking Kannada |
Primary Language: Kannada
Bible Translation ▲ | Status (Years) |
---|---|
Bible-Portions | Yes (1812-1988) |
Bible-New Testament | Yes (1823-2023) |
Bible-Complete | Yes (1827-2022) |
Bible-NT Audio | Online |
Bible-NT Text | Online |
Possible Print Bibles | |
---|---|
Amazon | |
World Bibles | |
Forum Bible Agencies | |
National Bible Societies | |
World Bible Finder | |
Virtual Storehouse |
Map Source | People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project |
Profile Source | Keith Carey |
Data Sources | Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more. |