Yadav Jadubans in India

Introduction / History

Status is important in Hindu cultures. Yadav peoples, including the Jaduban subgroup, are concerned about their place in Indian society. The Yadav peoples hold a place of honor, since traditionally they deal with cattle and dairy products in a culture where the cow is sacred. There have been times in their long history that Yadav peoples have held power and wealth. Most of the Jabudans live in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.

Today some Yadav are classified as "other backward castes" or OBCs in other Indian states. This sounds derisive, but in fact, this refers to people who hold some status, but are not part of the most prestigious communities. OBC classification brings government jobs and special university admissions.

The primary language of the Jadubans is Hindi. Many resources are available in Hindi including a complete Bible, radio programs and the JESUS Film.

What Are Their Lives Like?

While many Jadubans still work with dairy cattle, some Jadubans Yadav people are farmers. College educated work in business, science, politics, administration, banking, and trade. They are often a dominant people in the areas where they reside.

Most Jadubans are vegetarians who eat wheat, rice, dairy products, and vegetables as their staple foods. As devout Hindus they do not eat or sell beef.

The Jadubans are endogamous, which means they prefer to have marriage take place within their community. Marriage to one spouse is the norm. They have birth and marriage rituals officiated by Brahmins. On the death of the father, sons inherit his property. The oldest son takes charge of the home and family.

Most Jadubans encourage their children to attend and graduate from universities. Many rural Jaduban young people are moving to Indian cities in search of a better life.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Jadubans 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 do. 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?

Like all other peoples of the world, this people group needs the blessings and guidance that only Jesus Christ can offer. The Jaduban must understand that Jesus is not another Hindu god or guru. He alone can forgive their sins and grant them eternal life.

Prayer Points

Ask the Lord to send workers to the Jaduban Yadav and lead their community to faith in Christ.

Pray that the Jaduban would be led of the Spirit to read the Hindi Bible and listen to the radio programs that are available.

Pray that each Jaduban would have the opportunity to hear about and receive Jesus Christ.

Ask the Lord to raise up a church planting movement among the Jaduban Yadav.

Text Source:   Joshua Project