Introduction / History

The literary skills of the Kayastha people were in such demand that many of them moved to regions throughout India and Bangladesh. The Kayastha were originally administrators and bookkeepers for the kingdoms of northern India. In recent times the Kayastha have taken advantage of India's educational system and branched out into many professions that require a high degree of literacy. The primary languages of the Kayastha are Hindi and Bengali. They also speak the local languages of where they live and English. Many resources are available in Hindi and Bengali including a complete Bible, radio broadcasts and the JESUS Film. Only a tiny fraction of the Kayastha claim to follow Jesus Christ.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Kayastha are well-known in India for being politicians, writers, philosophers, entertainers, and scientists. They are among the most successful and prominent castes in India and Bangladesh. The Kayastha live in cities and encourage their children to attend colleges and graduate schools. Parents and young people join together to find prospective marriage partners. Kayastha tend to marry within their group although some are marrying other higher caste persons. For many Kayastha their Hindu faith has become more cultural than religious.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The large majority of the Kayastha practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of the Indian subcontinent. According to tradition the Kayastha were created by Brahmin to help the god of death Dharamraj keep records of good and bad deeds. They worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. Hindus believe that by performing rituals and good works that they will attain moksha or freedom from the endless cycle of birth, death and rebirth. The Kayastha 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. There are many forms of Hinduism, each with its own deities and beliefs. The main yearly holidays of the Kayastha people are 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. The caste system divides Hindus into four main categories. The lowest communities are outside of the caste system. The Kayastha fit into the Kshatriya and Vaishyas castes. Both have good status in Hindu society.

What Are Their Needs?

The Kayastha people need the blessings of Jesus Christ, the only one who can offer them abundant life and forgiveness for their sins. They need to see the love and mercy of Christ lived out before them in practical ways by higher caste followers of Christ. The Kayastha need to see that money and worldly success will not gain them the joy and peace of God.

Prayer Points

Pray for a spiritual hunger that will give the Kayastha people a willingness to accept the eternal blessings of Jesus Christ. Pray for a disciple making movement that will bless the Kayastha people this decade. Pray for the Lord to thrust out workers to serve among the Kayastha people.

Scripture Prayers for the Kayastha (Hindu traditions) in India.