Introduction / History

Karan are one of the 13 clans of the Kayastha caste. This is an ancient caste of scribes who served the state through record keeping regarding taxation and other matters. They don't fit in with any of the four main caste categories. According to legend, Brahma, the supreme god, needed someone to record the deeds of all people and castes. He went deep into meditation and when he opened his eyes, he saw the image of a man standing before him holding a quill and an inkpot with a sword strapped around his waist. This man was the first of the Kayasthras. Further legends make them out to be descendants of one of the Hindu gods.

Though their long history the Karan Kayasthas have kept their high status and power. They have been civil servants and tax collectors under the Muslim Moghul Empire, the British Raj, and later they kept their position when India became independent. Because of their adaptability, many have viewed them as traitors since they served foreign parasitical empires at India's expense.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Most people respect the Kayastha caste for their abilities. They have branched out into other high professions like IT, medicine and engineering. Some now live in foreign nations like England and the US.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Karan Kayastha people practice Hinduism, the dominant religion of India. At the popular level, Hindus worship and serve the gods whom they believe will give them favor and protection, much like a business transaction. They do not have a personal or familial relationship with their gods like Christians or Jews. Some Mathur Kayastha are philosophical in their spiritual practices. Their spirituality is more like a philosophy than a religious system. This is common for people with the prestigious Hindu communities.

What Are Their Needs?

The Karan Kayastha community needs to allow Jesus Christ the chance to transform them into His likeness so that they can enjoy peace and hope that only the Holy Spirit can provide.

Prayer Points

Pray for His kingdom to come and His will to be done among the Karan Kayastha people.

Pray for a movement of Karan Kayastha households to study the Bible and accept the blessings of Christ.

Pray for a spiritual hunger that will drive the Karan Kayastha people to the arms of Jesus.

Pray for workers who are filled with the fruit and the power of the Holy Spirit to go to the Karan Kayastha people.

Scripture Prayers for the Kayastha Karan in India.

References

Singh, K. S., ed. "India's Communities A-Z", Oxford University Press, USA 1999