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), while their followers became Shudras, and priests were at the top of Hindu society. The Rajputs became politically important in the seventh century. From around 800 AD Rajput dynasties ruled northern India. Petty Rajput kingdoms were the main obstacle for Muslim domination of the Hindu subcontinent. For more than 500 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 Raj later took over the Islamic Moghul Empire in South Asia. During their rule, which ended in 1947, the British recruited Rajputs into their military units. By the 1930s the Indian census stopped noting that someone is Rajput, so Rajput lineage has been less clear ever since. 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. There are many Rajput subgroups including the Bargala Rajputs of Uttar Pradesh. The Bargala Rajputs speak Hindi and read and write in Devanagari.

The Bargala work in agriculture and in animal husbandry. Women help with finances. They have their own councils to look after their interests. Family leaders arrange marriages. At the death of the father, sons inherit the property and the oldest son becomes the new family head.

Typically, Rajputs worship Shiva (the destroyer), Surya (the sun god), and Durga (the mother goddess). They also have patron gods they 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. The Bargala Rajputs worship their ancestors. To find spiritual answers, Hindus often turn to gurus.

No matter where Rajputs live, they need the humility to recognize their need for a savior and the tenacity to find that savior in Jesus Christ, King of kings.

* Scripture Prayers for the Rajput Bargala in India.

* Pray for the Bargala Rajput community to increasingly grow in awareness of Jesus and their need for Him. * Pray the Lord will give Bargala 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 disciple making movement among every Rajput community in India.