Bania Saitwal in India

Introduction / History

The Banias originated over 5,000 years ago, 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. They were usually traders of grain and spices throughout history.

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.

Banias originated in the western Indian states of Gujarat and Rajasthan. Today the Saitwal Banias are mainly in the states of Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh, though some are in other states. Swahitwal means that they “work for the benefit of their inner self.”

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Swahitwal can be tailors, weavers, oil extractors, shop keepers or money lenders.

They are often resented by other castes, 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.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Nearly all Saitwal Bania are Jain. This is a well-respected reform movement within Hinduism that has no gods or spirit beings to help; one must help themselves. They do this through right thinking, right knowledge and right conduct. They believe in non-violence and not harming any living thing. For that reason, they are careful to not even harm an insect.

What Are Their Needs?

Saitwal Banias need a spiritual transformation that will bring them to the point where they want to follow the ways of Jesus and abandon the old ways that have left them spiritually empty and other castes economically devastated and resentful.

Prayer Points

Pray that the veil of deception will be lifted from the eyes of the Saitwal Banias and that they will see that the only true wealth is the spiritual riches gained through a loving relationship with Jesus Christ.
Pray that Christ's disciples will be called to work among them and share Christ in a culturally relevant way.
Pray for a disciple making movement to emerge among every Bania community.

Text Source:   Joshua Project