Introduction / History

The Chandraseniya Kayastha Prabhu (often called CKP) are an ethno-religious caste, and they have always had have high status. Historian B. R. Sundthankar described them as being equally good warriors, statesmen and writers. They were able to perform Vedic duties that were normally reserved for Brahmins even though they are part of the Kshatrya caste cluster, just beneath the Brahmins. During the Deccan sultanates and Maratha rule eras (especially during the 1400s and 1500s) the CKP individuals were often military officers. During the British colonial era the CKP were among the first to adopt western education. They live in Maharashtra in India. In Gujarat the CPK speak, read and write in Gujarati. They live in Mumbai and other cities and migrated from Madhya Pradesh. They speak Marathi and read and write in Devanagari.

What Are Their Lives Like?

They get money from their land and work in trade and business. Many of them work in civil defense. They are endogamous (they prefer to marry within their clan or group) and prefer cousin marriages. They discourage widows from remarrying but encourage their women to get a good education. Surprisingly, these high caste Hindus are not vegetarians.

What Are Their Beliefs?

They are Hindus who worship Ganesh and Vishnu. Some are devotees of Sai Baba and other Hindu swamis.

What Are Their Needs?

The Chandraseniya Kayastha Prabhu need the opportunity to live for Jesus Christ, the only one who can bless them for eternity.

Prayer Points

Pray that Indian believers will lead them into a community-wide movement to Christ. Pray that gospel materials will become easily available to them. Pray for a spiritual hunger that will lead them to the empty grave.

Scripture Prayers for the Prabhu Kayastha in India.