Chhipa (Muslim traditions) in Pakistan

People Name:	Chhipa (Muslim traditions)
Country:	Pakistan
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	5,900
World Population:	103,900
Primary Language:	Sindhi
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	0.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	South Asia Muslim - other
Affinity Bloc:	South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Chhipa claim that they were once Rajputs who were imprisoned by Taimur and they escaped and became known as "Chhipa" Rajputs, after the Hindi word for hidden. Others say the word "Chhipa" is connected with a Hindi word for "to print." The word 'rangrez' means a dyer in the Persian language, and the community has been connected with this occupation, while others were tailors and washermen. They have three subdivisions: the Lalgarh, Nilgarh, and Chhipi. Chhipi are placed in the lowest position, because they dyed and printed clothes; whereas the Lalgarh and Nilgarh generally prepare color from indigo. Though they have their origin in India, many Rangrez people, including members of the Chhipa subgroup, have immigrated to Pakistan. Today members of the Chhipa community live scattered throughout central India and in Pakistan's Sindh Province. They are most likely to be found in Karachi.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Today the Chhipa people are either involved with their traditional work of printing on cloth while others are either small businessmen or farmers.

What Are Their Beliefs?

They are a Sunni Muslim community. They also visit the shrines of various Sufi saints in hopes of gaining favor from those whom they believe are close enough to Allah to answer their prayers.

What Are Their Needs?

The Chhipa people who work as cloth printers need new markets for their products. Perhaps people of faith can be used of God to help them find new markets outside of Pakistan.

Prayer Points

Pray for their physical and spiritual prosperity in the years to come. Pray for those who love the Lord to go to the Chhipa people in Pakistan and help cultivate a movement to Christ. Pray for a spiritual openness that will make it possible for the Chhipa people to take Christ at His word and accept His lordship.