Brahmin Mahratta in India
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Map Source:
People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project.
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| People Name: | Brahmin Mahratta |
| Country: | India |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 508,000 |
| World Population: | 509,500 |
| Primary Language: | Marathi |
| Primary Religion: | Hinduism |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South Asia Forward Caste - Brahmin |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Mahratta are castes who live mainly in Maharashtra in India. Maratha refers to as those who spoke the Marathi language.
The Mahratta also live in Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala.
What Are Their Lives Like?
The Mahratta dominate politics in Maharashtra though many of the caste are on lower incomes. Many are landowners and cultivators. Most have cattle. They are not vegetarians and eat wheat and rice as cereals.
The Mahratta allow cousin marriages. They do not allow women to remarry after being widowed or divorced. Boys marry from twelve years old onwards. Girls marry early. Property goes to the sons on the death of the father. Some of them are very well educated. They have caste councils to look after their interests.
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 Brahmin might believe or disbelieve!
But most Brahmins respect the ancient (and many not-so-ancient) traditions of their forefathers. Some work to synthesize modern science and Hindu beliefs and practices. Few today have seriously studied, let alone memorized, the ancient Vedas; but one is more likely to find a person knowledgeable about the Vedas and other Hindu texts and teachings among Brahmins than among any non-Brahmin caste group.
What Are Their Needs?
Mahratta Brahmins as an influential and generally well-to-do community are not unlike the 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 that politicians and those in high places among the Mahratta Brahmins come to Jesus Christ and lead others to him.
Pray that gospel materials will lead many Mahratta Brahmin families to salvation.
Pray for the Lord to thrust out his hand-picked workers among the Mahratta Brahmins.