Jaiswal Bania in India

The name "Bania" is derived from Vaniji, which means "trader" in Sanskrit, an ancient South Asian language. The Jaiswal are a sub-group of the Bania who live in India. They were usually traders of grain and spices throughout history. Despite their high incomes, the Bania have only a modest status in the Hindu caste pyramid. This has led them to feel cheated; for that reason, Bania have often led reform movements. Other communities often feel cheated by the Bania.

Ministry Obstacles

There are probably no Christ followers among the Jaiswal Bania, so they will need to hear the gospel from someone outside their community. Wealthy people often don’t feel they have spiritual needs.

Scripture Focus

"And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions."  Joel 2:28

Scripture Prayer

Pray that this people group receives the gift of the Holy Spirit as they turn to the Lord.

Prayer Focus

Pray the Jaiswal Bania will hear about the greatest deal of all time: salvation through Jesus Christ. Pray they will invest in the lives of others by spreading the gospel. Pray for the Lord to thrust out dedicated workers to go to the Jaiswal and other Bania communities. Pray there will soon be fellowships and Bible studies led by Jaiswal Bania.