Bania Nagar in India

Introduction / History

The Banias originated over 5,000 years ago in Gujarat and Rajasthan, and they are also called Vania or Mahajan. Their name is derived from Vaniji, which means "trader" in Sanskrit, an ancient South Asian language. Of the four major varnas (caste clusters), Banias are in the third one, the Vaishyas. This caste cluster has always been about trade, business and money lending. Throughout history they were traders of grain and spices.

Despite their high incomes, the Banias have only modest status in the Hindu caste pyramid. They resent the higher two varnas, the Brahmins and the Kshatriyas, and thus Banias have often been leaders in caste reform movements. Mahatma Gandhi is one example, but there have been many others throughout India's long history.

The Banias have many subgroups; among them are the Gujarati speaking Nagar Banias. They live scattered throughout the western states of India. They are most easily found in Ahmedabad, Gujarat's largest city.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Members of the Nagar Bania caste are among the wealthiest people in India and even the world. Today they are still involved with businesses and money lending. A Bania might be the proud owner of a giant business, a small one, or he might be working in a bank. He often owns the bank. Others work in government ministries or as lawyers, judges, teachers, scholars, stockbrokers or engineers.

Nagar Bania fathers teach their children business skills. From an early age children are drilled in math and detailed calculations with the end purpose of winning in money transactions. Nagar Bania parents often teach their children to "never give; always bargain and make money." This attitude can make them unpopular with other communities. Other castes often resent them because they lend much needed money at high 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 their farms or their gold up for collateral in case they cannot pay back their loans. Floor painting and folk songs are a major part of the Bania's art and culture.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Nagar means "settlement." The Nagar Banias look to Hinduism for their spiritual answers. Like most Bania subgroups, the Nagar perform rituals with the hope of gaining favor from spiritual forces and gods such as Ganesh.

What Are Their Needs?

Nagar Bania people need the spiritual hunger it will take to break away from materialism so they can seek and find the only savior.

Prayer Points

Pray for spiritual hunger among the Nagar Bania and a willingness to embrace Christ no matter what the cost.
Pray that they may find their "settlement" in God's eternal home.
Ask the Lord of the harvest to visit the leaders of Nagar households and villages, as well as their spiritual leaders with His truth in a way they can understand.
Ask God to anoint those working with the Nagars with wisdom and insight and with the love of Jesus.

Text Source:   Joshua Project