Introduction / History

The Kasarwani are one of the Bania (business) groups. Kasar means "saffron" and wani means "tradesman." Because they moved so often in the early days, they carried pots of soil from the place they came from to maintain their identity and remember their origin. They worship these pots. Some carry the soil from many lands, gathered as they moved along trade routes. The Kasarwani Bania community began in Kashmir and migrated south. They live all over India’s northern states. Their language is Hindi.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Banias are often resented by others. They are known to charge excessive interest rates. A pre-literate farmer might take a loan from a Bania only to find that a high percentage of his harvest will be taken away as interest. Customers often must put up their land and farms for collateral in case they cannot pay back their loans.

Kasarwani Bania children learn early to "never give; always bargain and make money." From an early age, children are drilled in math and detailed calculations with the end purpose of winning in money transactions. Fathers pass business skills to their sons. Kasarwani Bania parents strongly encourage their children, especially the boys, to obtain graduate degrees related to business.

Monogamy or marriage to one spouse is the norm among all Bania groups.

What Are Their Beliefs?

As wealthy Hindus, the Kasarwani Banias are usually not that spiritually minded. Some perform Hindu rituals to gain favor in the spiritual realm. Others are attracted to Hindu philosophy. Most are too grounded in the here and now to take much thought to their spiritual lives.

What Are Their Needs?

Although there is a plethora of Christian outreach tools available in Hindi such as audio recordings, films, videos, tracts and Bible translations, the Kasarwani hearts have remained closed to the gospel.

Prayer Points

Pray that the Holy Spirit will woo the Kasarwani Banias to the Throne of Grace.
Pray that Jesus will reveal himself in power and glory to multitudes of precious Kasarwani people.
Pray for loving and dedicated workers to go to them.

Scripture Prayers for the Bania Kasarwani in India.

References

Some information from “The Scheduled Castes” K. S. Singh, ed. Oxford University Press, USA (1994)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bania_(caste)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kesarwani