Brahmin Jijhotia in India

Introduction / History

The Jijjhotia or Jujhautiya are a group of Brahmins who live in north and central India. The Brahmins are the highest of the four castes or varnas of Hinduism. Their traditional occupation was that of priests, scholars and teachers. During the British period they were large landowners and helped the government collect taxes.

The largest groups of Jijhotia Brahmins live in the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar. Smaller groups live in other regions of north, west and central India. The primary language of the Jijjhotia is Hindi. As educated Indians they also speak English and regional languages.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Traditionally in the varna or caste system Brahmins are considered as priests, but a temple priest is a lowly position that no Brahmin family wants their sons to aspire towards. Rather, there is strong pressure for higher education, particularly in computer science and engineering. Jijhotria have a strong work ethic and are often leaders, whether politically, intellectually, spiritually or socially. Jijhotia Brahmins work in fields such a public service, agriculture and as professionals. The Jijhotria are often leaders in the careers they pursue. Their families encourage graduate degrees for their sons and daughters.

The Jijhotia take pride in their high status within Hinduism and Indian society. Jijhotia marry only within their caste but do not marry within their particular clan or gotra.

Brahmins are still deeply influenced by the traditional four stages of life; the first student stage is followed by the householder stage, where marriage, raising a family and being a productive member of society is the primary obligation of an individual. Once children are married there is time for spiritual concerns in the third stage of reclusiveness, which is followed (this is rarely practiced) by itinerant homeless wandering.

What Are Their Beliefs?

In some cases Brahmin subgroups are defined by their theological distinctions such as Madhva Brahmins, who are defined by their dualist theology, though everyone does not actually hold those beliefs. However, many Brahmin castes are made up of people who adhere to all the various philosophical and theological options espoused by modern Hindus, including hard core secularists and atheists. One can never predict what an individual Jijhtotia Brahmin might believe or disbelieve!

What Are Their Needs?

The pride of the Brahmins can often get in the way of their seeing themselves as sinners in need of a Savior. They are resistant to enter the religion of Christianity where everyone is equal at the foot of the cross. The Brahmins as an influential and generally well-to-do community are not unlike the upper middle classes of most places. Their main needs involve relational strains that are usually kept behind closed doors. Modernization is breaking down family units, which have been the glue to society for many generations, and loneliness is increasingly a problem. They are expected to "achieve it all," but ironically, achieving it all can be empty.

Prayer Points

Pray for Christ to reveal himself to Jijhotia Brahmin family leaders.
Pray for the eyes of Brahmin hearts to be open to Jesus Christ as Lord and King.
Pray for Holy Spirit directed Christ followers to go to Jijhotia Brahmin communities.
Pray for many to be prompted to faithfully pray for Jijhotia Brahmins.

Text Source:   Joshua Project