Rajput Bais (Hindu traditions) in India

People Name:	Rajput Bais (Hindu traditions)
Country:	India
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	1,506,000
World Population:	1,510,700
Primary Language:	Hindi
Primary Religion:	Hinduism
Christian Adherents:	0.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	South Asia Forward Caste - Rajput
Affinity Bloc:	South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The meaning of the name Bais is "one who occupies the soil." Rajput means "son of a ruler or king." The Rajput communities fall into the second highest caste of Hinduism, the Kshatriyas, one step below the Brahmins, the high priestly caste. Over the centuries, the Rajputs acquired land as a payment for their military service to the rulers of South Asia. They hold high prestige, but their position in society has diminished since India gained independence in 1947. Many have lost their land holdings.
The Bais Rajputs live in most regions of India. They are especially populous in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Bais Rajputs generally do not do cultivation but have lower castes farm their land. Because many have lost their land after 1947, the Bais Rajputs have needed to look elsewhere for their livelihood. Some have become shop owners or common laborers. Bais Rajputs encourage their sons and daughters to obtain graduate degrees and enter careers like medicine, public administration, computer science, finance, and engineering.
Rajput women earn money through weaving, embroidery and by making of handkerchiefs. Taking care of children is primarily the women's responsibility among Rajputs. For women, toe-rings, nose-pins and glass bangles are common symbols for being married. Hindu Rajputs like the Bais marry within their group.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Forward caste Hindus like the Bais Rajpus often become devotees of several gods. Typically, Rajputs worship Shiva (the destroyer), Surya (the sun god), and Durga (the mother goddess). They also have patron gods to turn to for protection. They celebrate Dasahara, a festival dedicated to Durga. During this festival, they sacrifice a buffalo to celebrate this goddess' victory over a buffalo demon. To find spiritual answers, Hindus often turn to gurus.

What Are Their Needs?

Some Bais Rajput families need the chance to obtain advanced education so they can take on high paying jobs.

Prayer Points

Pray the Bais Rajputs would understand they can enjoy abundant life if they put their trust in Jesus Christ.
Pray for the Lord to intervene in Bais families, calling people to his side and blessing them in every way.
Pray for loving workers to go to the Bais Rajputs and discipling them in the ways of Christ.
Pray for a church planting movement to thrive in all Rajput communities including the Bais.