Yadav Gola in India

Introduction / History

Status is important in Hindu cultures. Yadav peoples, including the Gola subgroup, are concerned about their status within the Hindu system. The Yadav peoples hold a place of honor, since traditionally they deal with cattle and dairy products in a culture where the cow is sacred. There have been times in their long history that Yadav peoples have held power and wealth.

Today some Gola Yadav are classified as "other backward castes" or OBCs in some Indian states. This sounds derisive, but in fact, this refers to people who hold some status, but are not part of the most prestigious communities. The OBC people are eligible for government jobs and special consideration for university admissions.

Gola live throughout India but are concentrated in the southeast states of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The primary language of the Gola is Telugu. Many resources are available in Telugu including a complete Bible, the JESUS Film and radio programs. Many Gola also speak Tamil and Hindi. College educated Gola speak English. There are few if any followers of Jesus Christ among the Gola community.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Today, Gola Yadav are a mixture landowners and landless farm workers. Many have left their traditional occupation of taking care of cattle. University graduates among the Gola work in science, politics, government, medicine, and engineering. Many Gola still practice their traditional occupation of raising cattle. They sell dairy products but as devout Hindus do not eat or sell beef.

The Gola marry within the Yadav peoples. Marriage to one spouse is the norm. Sons inherit property and take care of elderly relatives. Most Gola encourage their sons and daughters to obtain a university education. Brahmin priests officiate at important Gola life ceremonies.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Gola Yadav 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 do. There are other Hindus who are much more philosophical, especially among the Brahmins.

Almost all Hindus participate in yearly celebrations like Holi, the festival of colors and the start of spring / Diwali, the festival of lights / Navratri, the celebration of autumn / and Rama Navami, Rama's birthday.

What Are Their Needs?

Since there are no known believers among the Gola Yadav, they will have to hear about Christ from someone from a different community. Their honored status might pose another reason for them to not accept spiritual beliefs outside of Hindu teachings. The Gola must come to understand that Christ is not another guru or Hindu god. He alone can forgive their sins and grant them eternal life.

Prayer Points

Pray that there will be healings and miracles in the name of Jesus that will cause many Gola Yadav to realize Jesus is the only one worthy of devotion and praise.

Pray that the community council leaders will come to Jesus Christ and lead others of the Yadav community to him.

Pray for entire Gola Yadav families to turn their hearts to Jesus as they hear of his great power and mercy.

Ask the Lord to send workers to the Gola to make disciples who will make more disciples.

Text Source:   Joshua Project