Day 21. Rajput in India (RAHJ-put)
31,412,000
Hindi
Hinduism
Rajput in Sanskrit means, ‘son of a ruler’ or ‘prince’. These warrior-kings have kept careful track of their royal lineages and the clans descended from them.
Predominant in the “royal state” of Rajasthan, the Rajput dynasties that once ruled are still known and their clans are still identifiable. They ruled for centuries even through the Mughal and British empires.
In 1970, India abolished their titles and property rights. They claimed Kshatriya caste status (the warrior caste below the Brahmins) and still hold a privileged position as Forward Caste Hindus, but have lost much of their wealth and power. Their palaces still stand today, some converted into luxurious hotels and some as museums.
Typically, Rajputs worship Shiva (the destroyer), Surya (the sun god), and Durga (the mother goddess). They have patron gods they turn to for protection and seek Hindu gurus for spiritual answers. There are Scriptures and many other teaching materials in print, audio, and video available in Hindi, the primary language of Rajputs, but their “superior” caste status and isolation cuts them off from hearing the Good News.
Prayers for the families of the Rajputs:
Lord, send families who follow Jesus among them. Show them what it means to follow Jesus, worshiping the King of Kings, freed from the power of sin and receiving the honor that comes from being a child of the living God. Lord, give the Rajput their inheritance to be Your children.
Lord, bless Your Holy Scriptures to be spoken in Rajput homes by guests in their home or through the many apps and resources that have been made in Hindi. May they hear Your Words and know this truth is not just for the lower castes, but for them as well.
Lord raise up whole communities coming to Jesus through disciple making movements. Where the families are marked by their willingness to share Your Holy Scriptures widely and work with families who seek Your righteousness and Your kingdom first.
Pray the blessing of fellowship with Jesus for our Rajput brothers and sisters: Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with Me. (Rev. 3:20)