Rawal (Hindu traditions) in India

People Name:	Rawal (Hindu traditions)
Country:	India
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	202,000
World Population:	202,000
Primary Language:	Hindi
Primary Religion:	Hinduism
Christian Adherents:	0.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	South Asia Hindu - other
Affinity Bloc:	South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Rawal people live mainly in Rajasthan, but some live in Maharashtra or Gujarat. They have a low literacy rate. Most use Hindi or Gujarati as their languages.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Many work as day laborers but many others own land. Agriculture is the livelihood of most of them. Others work in industry, business and in trading. One of their women is an airline pilot who helped bring Indian nationals home from Italy during the 2020 Coronavirus pandemic. The husband's family must pay the bride's family a bride price. They allow for divorce and widows can marry again. On the death of the father, sons inherit the property with the oldest son becoming the family head. Unlike most South Asian communities, the Rawal people bury their dead.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Rawal people practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. Hinduism is a catch-all phrase for the local religions of South Asia, so it is very diverse. At the popular level, Hindus worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. They visit Hindu temples and offer prayers, food, flowers, and incense to their gods in hopes of gaining protection and benefits. They do not have a personal or familial relationship with their gods like Christians or Jews. There are other Hindus who are much more philosophical, especially among the Brahmins.

What Are Their Needs?

This people group needs to put all their trust in Jesus Christ, the one who came to provide abundant life to all who call on His name.

Prayer Points

Pray that Indian believers will lead the Rawal to a disciple making movement in the 2020s. Pray for a spiritual hunger that will lead them to putting their faith in Jesus Christ alone. Pray for intercessors and workers.