Introduction / History

The Rawal people live mainly in Rajasthan, but some live in Maharashtra or Gujarat.

What Are Their Lives Like?

They have a low literacy rate. Most use Hindi or Gujarati as their languages. Many work as day laborers but many others own land. Agriculture is the livelihood for most of the Rawal. Others work in industry, business and in trading. A notable female member of this community is an airline pilot who helped bring Indian nationals home from Italy during the 2020 Coronavirus pandemic.

This tribe allows for divorce among its members, and widows can marry again. Upon the death of the father, sons inherit the property, with the oldest son becoming the family head. Unlike most South Asian Hindu communities, the Rawal people bury their dead.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Rawal 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 or Jews. 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?

Not only do the Rawal people not have any Christians, but also there are almost no Christ followers in the places where they live. They will need to hear the gospel preached by outsiders to begin receiving the gospel. Indian Christians from outside Rajasthan need to take Hindi language materials to the Rawal people.

Prayer Points

Pray that Indian believers would disciple the Rawal believers in the ways of Christ. Pray for a spiritual hunger that will lead them to put their faith in Jesus Christ alone. Pray for intercessors and workers to be commissioned to go to the Rawal.

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