Mahyavanshi in Pakistan

People Name:	Mahyavanshi
Country:	Pakistan
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	24,000
World Population:	2,016,000
Primary Language:	Sindhi
Primary Religion:	Hinduism
Christian Adherents:	0.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Online Audio NT:	No
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	South Asia Dalit - other
Affinity Bloc:	South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Legend says Yug Purush (Man of an age) Mahya (because of his name the caste became known as Mahyavanshi) was born in Patan of north Gujarat. His parent's names were King Karnadev and Minal Solanki. Because of an unfavorable forecast by state astrologers, King Karnadev abandoned his son in the desert. Yug Purush was found by a man named Dharamsinh who called the boy Mahyo. Dharmsinh raised and trained Mahyo. Mahyo sacrificed himself for the life of people, animals and birds.
The Mahyavanshi people are found in many parts of India but are mainly located in southern Gujarat and northern Maharashtra. The Mahyavanshi were originally residents of Gujarat, but upper castes took their land and persecuted them. Many of the Mahyavanshi went to Mumbai to work for the British as butlers, cooks, drivers, etc. Now the Mahyavanshi community is well educated by self-development and also with the help of government. A small number are in Pakistan where they live as a religious minority.

What Are Their Lives Like?

According to Mahyavanshi custom, the inheritance is equally divided by the sons and unmarried daughters, and sometimes the widow gets a share.
They are a diligent people who have a high literacy rate, two factors that make them desirable employees. Most of them speak Gujarati and either Marathi or Hindu.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most of their practices are animistic, though they call themselves Hindu. Like many Hindu communities, the Mahyavanshis have a special devotion to Ganesh, the Hindu god whom they believe helps overcome obstacles and achieve prosperity.
They are proud to be Hindu and have not changed their religion even though there have been aggressive attacks of Islam.

Prayer Points

Pray that the Holy Spirit will soften hearts as Christian workers use the JESUS Film, gospel cassettes and Christian radio to reach them, showing them Jesus, the only One Who can give true prosperity in this life and the life to come.
Pray that God will use Mahyavanshi people to lead other groups to the Savior.