Introduction / History

The Sribastab Kayastha are a Hindu people who live in north and central India. They were traditionally members of a caste of scribes who kept written records for the kingdoms of north India. At times the Kayastha groups held a near monopoly of government positions in accounting and administration.

They live mainly in Uttar Pradesh, but also further south in Madhya Pradesh.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Today the Sribastab Kayastha are employed in the professions, the arts and in government administration. Their primary language is Hindi. As educated Indian people they also speak English.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Sribastab Kayastha 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?

The high position of the Sribastab Kayastha in Indian society made be an obstacle in their coming to Christ.

Bibles, literature and radio programs are available in Hindi. Sribastab Kayastha students studying in the west may be more open to hearing about the claims of Christ.

Prayer Points

There may be no Sribastab Kayastha believers at the present time. Pray that God will bring many of them into his kingdom.

Pray that God moves Hindu background believers to share the good news with the Sribastab Kayastha.

Ask God to deliver families and communities within the Sribastab Kayastha people from fears that hinder them from embracing his blessings.

Pray for a movement to Jesus to multiply among Kayastha households.

Scripture Prayers for the Kayastha Sribastab in India.