Brahui Rassani (Sarawan) in Pakistan

People Name:	Brahui Rassani (Sarawan)
Country:	Pakistan
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	28,000
World Population:	28,000
Primary Language:	Brahui
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	0.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	New Testament
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Brahui
Affinity Bloc:	South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Brahui rose to power by overthrowing a dynasty of Hindu kings in the 1600s. Under Nasir Khan in the 1700s, the confederacy reached its peak. Today, the Brahui are made up of 29 tribes, one of which is the Rassani.

Brahui can be distinguished from their Pushtun and Baluchi neighbors by their Dravidian language, called Brahui. Linguists have not been able to discover the link between the Brahui and other speakers of Dravidian languages who live 1000 miles away in southern India. Their language, Brahui, has three main dialects. In today's world, they often borrow words from their more powerful neighbors, the Baloch and the Sindhis.

What Are Their Lives Like?

For years, most Rassani Brahui were nomadic shepherds who traveled between the highlands and the lowlands in search of proper temperatures, rainfall and pasture for their flocks. During the cold and icy winter months, the Brahui lived in the plains. They return to the hills only after the lambs are born in February or March.

The number of Rassani Brahui nomads has consistently declined over the past hundred years, and today there are many fully settled villages dependent on underground water irrigation to raise the numerous cash crops. There are a number of towns that serve as administrative and commercial centers, although relatively few Brahui live in town year round.

Rassani Brahui shepherds have organized themselves into groups of cooperating households known as khalks. Each khalk combines its herds into one flock under the care of a professional resident shepherd. The resident shepherd controls up to 500 sheep. This procedure benefits the Brahui economically because it allows the men and their adult sons to work on local village farms in exchange for wheat. Having one resident shepherd also enables the men to take their herds to market for sale and to exchange information with other Brahui about the locations of various camps and flocks.

Through the use of khalks, Rassani Brahui have become expert shepherds. They have learned the optimum number of sheep that can be grazed together. They also have discovered that sheep are not happy in very small groups, and that they spread and wander under such conditions. When the herds increase to more than 500 animals, leaders "multiply" the group, shifting the tents to form a new khalk.

Families arrange their marriages. Fathers prefer their sons to marry a cousin on the father's side, although occasionally families will consider the wishes of the couple. Men may take multiple wives, but the expenses incurred tend to limit this practice. Divorce is rare among the Rassani Brahui. The ideal family consists of married sons who live with their parents. After the father's death, brothers continue to live together with a united family estate under the leadership of the eldest son.

The tribe is the basic political unit of the Brahui. Tribes base their membership on patrilineal descent (common male ancestors) and political allegiance.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Rassani Brahui people predominantly follow Sunni Islam, incorporating religious practices into their daily lives. They observe the five pillars of Islam, including daily prayers, fasting during Ramadan, and participation in communal prayers. Islamic festivals such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are significant occasions, marked by communal celebrations and feasting.

In addition to their Islamic faith, they retain some traditional beliefs and practices, particularly those related to nature and ancestral spirits. These practices include rituals aimed at ensuring good fortune and protection, reflecting a blend of religious and cultural influences.

What Are Their Needs?

The Rassani Brahui people face several challenges due to their remote location and limited access to resources. Education remains a significant concern, with many children lacking access to quality schools and learning materials. Efforts to provide better educational facilities and opportunities for both boys and girls are crucial for their development.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Rassani Brahui people to have their educational and medical needs met.
Pray for their family leaders to have dreams of the risen Christ, leading them on the path to salvation and hope.
Pray for Rassani Brahui disciples who will make more disciples.