Kanaujia Brahmin in Nepal


Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge
* From latest Nepal census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.

Introduction / History

Brahmans (often in the past spelled Brahmins) are the highest of the four varna (major caste groupings) in Hinduism. The historical developments of various Brahman castes are not clear, as the history of the caste system itself is unclear. There was perhaps a caste system based on personal merit at one time before the hereditary caste system became dominant, as is seen in modern history. Brahman castes became powerful in the early centuries of the Christian Era through alliances with kings, who granted them landed estates related to temples and temple service. There has never been a comprehensive analysis of all the different types and subgroups of Brahmans.

Traditionally Brahmans have five daily duties; to the gods, to ancestors, to all creatures, to humans, and to study. Thus, daily worship (duty to gods) and chanting of sacred texts (duty to study) are an integral part of many Brahmans' lives, even if this is only a token routine for many.


Where Are they Located?

The Kanaujia Brahmans are scattered all over India and Nepal, but a smaller number live further north in Nepal.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Traditionally in the varna system Kanaujia Brahmans are considered as priests, but a temple priest is a lowly position that no Sawaria Brahman family wants their sons to aspire towards. Rather, there is strong pressure for higher education, particularly in computer science and engineering. Kanaujia Brahmans have a strong work ethic and are often leaders, whether politically, intellectually, spiritually or socially.

Sawaria Brahmans are deeply influenced by the traditional four stages of life; the first student stage is followed by the householder stage, where marriage, raising a family and being a productive member of society is the primary obligation of an individual. Once children are married there is time for spiritual concerns in the third stage of reclusiveness, which is followed (this is rarely practiced) by itinerant homeless wandering (sannyasa).

Often a busy Kanaujia Brahman will put off spiritual discussions as an issue for later in life. The famous Bhagavad Gita text does not support this, however, as it calls for all humanity to engage in doing good to all without thought of merit or reward for such actions.


What Are Their Beliefs?

In some cases, Brahman subgroups are defined by their theological distinctions. However, many Brahman castes are made up of people who adhere to all the various philosophical and theological options espoused by modern Hindus, including hard core secularists and atheists. One can never predict what an individual Brahman might believe or disbelieve!


What Are Their Needs?

The Kanaujia Brahmans as an influential and generally well-to-do community are not unlike the middle classes of most places. Their main needs involve relational strains that are usually kept behind closed doors. Modernization is breaking down family units which have been the glue to society for many generations, and loneliness is increasingly a problem. They are expected to "achieve it all," but ironically, achieving it all can be empty.


Prayer Points

Pray for Christ to reveal himself to Kanaujia Brahman leaders in Nepal.
Pray for the eyes of Brahman hearts to be open to Jesus Christ as Lord and king.
Pray for Holy Spirit directed Christ followers to go to Kanaujia Brahman communities.
Pray for a disciple making movement to emerge among every Kanaujia Brahman community, both in India and Nepal.
Pray for many to be prompted to faithfully pray for Brahmans.


Scripture Prayers for the Brahmin Kanaujia in Nepal.


References

https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/19951/IN
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanyakubja_Brahmin
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Brahman-caste
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmin
http://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/brahmins-in-india/234783
https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/16521/IN
http://induhistory.blogspot.com/p/brahmins-history.html
http://traceyourlineage.blogspot.com/2008/04/origin-of-gotras.html
https://thehindus.org/faqs/what-types-of-brahmins-are-there/
http://hinducaste.blogspot.com/2009/06/divisions-among-brahmins.html


Profile Source:   Keith Carey  

Additional Info
Brahmin of India profile for Children and Family Missions Activities
People Name General Brahmin Kanaujia
People Name in Country Brahmin Kanaujia
Natural Name Kanaujia Brahmin
Pronunciation kuh-NO-gee-ah BRAH-min
Population this Country 7,300
Population all Countries 5,115,000
Total Countries 3
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
Pioneer Workers Needed 1
Alternate Names Antarvedi; Babaji; Bahun; Bajey; Brahman Terai; Brahmin Terai; Dasakula; Kanaujia; Kankubia; Kanyakubja; Maharaj; Panditji; Satakula; ब्रह्मन, कनौजिअ
People ID 19951
ROP3 Code 115727
Country Nepal
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Total States on file 6
Largest States
Janakpur
2,600
Lumbini
1,600
Narayani
1,600
Bheri
600
Sagarmatha
500
Kosi
300
Country Nepal
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Total States 6
  Janakpur 2,600
  Lumbini 1,600
  Narayani 1,600
  Bheri 600
  Sagarmatha 500
  Kosi 300
Website South Asia Peoples
Primary Religion: Hinduism
Major Religion Percent *
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.00 %)
0.00 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
100.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
* From latest Nepal census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.
Primary Language Maithili (3,700 speakers)
Language Code mai   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 5
Secondary Languages
Awadhi
1,400
Bhojpuri
1,000
Hindi
200
Nepali
30
Primary Language Maithili (3,700 speakers)
Language Code mai   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 5
Secondary Languages
  Awadhi 1,400
  Bhojpuri 1,000
  Hindi 200
  Nepali 30
People Groups Speaking Maithili
Photo Source (Representative photo)
Copyrighted © 2023  Isudas  All rights reserved.  Used with permission
Map Source People Group Location: Omid. Other geography / data: GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project  
Profile Source Keith Carey  
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Read more