Arakh in India
Photo Source:
Anonymous
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Map Source:
People Group Location: Omid. Other geography / data: GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
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| People Name: | Arakh |
| Country: | India |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 707,000 |
| World Population: | 707,000 |
| Primary Language: | Hindi |
| Primary Religion: | Hinduism |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Online Audio NT: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South Asia Hindu - other |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
Arakh is said to be the distorted form of "Arka" which is Sanskrit for "sun". The Arakh are an ancient kshatriya clan which once ruled large areas of Awadh, the area of Uttar Pradesh that borders Nepal's western end.
The Arakh were said to be so powerful that they performed horse sacrifices to prove their dominance. Neighboring groups apparently dared not defy this group. They trace their descent to the clan to which Lord Rama belonged.
One of their most popular rulers was Maharaja Tilok Chand Arkawanshi:
"In 918 AD, he led a powerful army against king Vikrampal of Delhi and after defeating him, took control of Delhi. Subsequently, nine generations of Maharaja Tilok Chand ruled over Delhi. In 1093 AD Maharani Bhimadevi, the religious-minded widow of Govind Chand (who died without an heir), handed over the reins of her empire to her spiritual guru Hargovind.
The empire of Maharaja Tilok Chand comprised areas of Delhi and large parts of Awadh including its mountainous areas. Maharaja Tilok Chand Arkawanshi was a worshipper of sun-god (Arka) like his forefathers. He built a large sun-temple named Balark temple in Bahraich, which was later destroyed by the Turkish invaders."
What Are Their Lives Like?
The Arakhs are poor and work in agriculture, as shop-owners and as laborers.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Arakhs worship Lord Arka, the sun god as well as Lord Shiva. It is apparently the worship of Arka ("sun" in Sanskrit) that gives them their people group name.
What Are Their Needs?
They are also highly illiterate; therefore, they need adequate schools.
Prayer Points
Pray for the Arakh people in India to have the chance to hear the gospel and respond to it.
Pray for Arakh disciples who will make more disciples.
Pray for the Lord to do miracles among the Arakh people as a testimony of his power and love.