Ajudhyabansi Bania in India

The Ajudhyabansi Bania are a subgroup of the Bania, who originated over 5,000 years ago. Their name means ‘trader’ in Sanskrit. This caste has always worked in trade, business, and money lending. Despite their high incomes, the Ajudhyabansi Bania have only a modest status in the Hindu caste pyramid. Resenting the higher two castes, they have often been leaders in caste reform movements. Mahatma Gandhi was a Bania. They claim the Hindu religion, but as the wealthiest in India and perhaps in the world, they appear to worship the god of wealth, good fortune and money.

Ministry Obstacles

The gospel has not made inroads into any Bania subgroup. Any work among them will be in the beginning stage. Pride in material wealth will not be easy to overcome in this people group.

Scripture Focus

"And he did not permit him but said to him, Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you."  Mark 5:19

Scripture Prayer

Pray for those who have been blessed among today’s people group to boldly and lovingly tell others of God’s abundant mercy.

Prayer Focus

Pray that the Ajudhyabansi Banias will see that the only true wealth are the spiritual riches gained through a loving relationship with Jesus Christ. Pray that Christ's disciples will be called to work among them and share Christ in a culturally relevant way. Pray for a movement to Christ to emerge among every Bania community, including the Ajudhyabansi. It will take people from other business communities to reach the Ajudhyabansi Bania on a peer-to-peer basis. Pray for the Lord to raise up such people.