Manj Rajput in Pakistan


Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge
* Data can be from various sources including official census, agencies, and local research. Data from these sources can sometimes differ even by orders of magnitude. Joshua Project attempts to present a conservative, balanced estimate.

Introduction / History

Starting in the 5th century, there was a massive attack by the White Huns in what is now northern and northwestern India and Pakistan. About a century later the reigning Hindu-based Gupta Empire broke up, leaving the Subcontinent vulnerable to Muslim invaders from the north. As time went on, invaders took over land and integrated with the settled peoples of this region. Tribal leaders, especially those involved with defense, were accepted as Kshatriya, the second highest varna (major categories of castes) in Hindu society, while their followers became the fourth and lowest varna. Priests became the Brahmins, the highest of the four varnas.

Rajputs, who were part of the Kshatriya varna, became politically important in the seventh century. From around 800 AD Rajput dynasties ruled northern India. Petty Rajput kingdoms were the main obstacle to Muslim domination of the Hindu subcontinent. For hundreds of years Rajputs were the warriors who defended kingdoms from invaders and conquered others. When possible, Rajputs settled down, became nobles, and enjoyed the lives of landed gentry.

Over a period of a couple hundred years, invaders penetrated the Rajput wall that protected the Subcontinent. Some Rajput subgroups converted to Islam during this time. The British Empire put an end to the Moghul Empire, but they recruited Rajputs into their military units. The Rajputs have kept alive their proud history of conquest, bravery and military might.

Rajputs are concentrated in India's northwestern state of Rajasthan, though there are Rajputs all over India. Pakistan also has Rajput communities, mostly in Punjab Province. For example, the Manj Rajputs speak Western Punjabi and live in Punjab Province. A smaller number are further south in Sindh Province.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Though many Manj Rajputs are still in the armed forces or own land, many have moved on to other livelihoods. Some work as small businessmen or wage laborers.

Manj Rajputs try to marry their daughters into clans of higher rank than their own. The Rajput clans in Rajasthan have the highest status, so families want their daughters to marry men from that state. Rajputs often marry their daughters off while they are very young.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Though Rajputs were once Hindu, some converted to Islam starting in the early 12th century. That includes the Manj Rajput community. Sufi Muslim missionaries were instrumental in winning these Hindus to Islam, though others converted to Islam for political reasons. Conversion to Islam continued into the 19th century when the British were gaining power in the Subcontinent. It is important to note that conversions happen at the group level; entire Rajput clans converted to Islam, not individuals. Those who want to see Rajputs won to Jesus Christ should remember this.

Manj Rajputs who have embraced Islam usually retain common social practices such as having their wives secluded (purdah). Those who are devout do their five daily ritual prayers, give alms to the poor, and go on the pilgrimage (haj) to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Muslims from all communities come together on Friday afternoons to pray and hear a sermon at local mosques.


What Are Their Needs?

Manj Rajputs are admired in South Asia for their historical and military accomplishments. Rajputs presently are going through something of an identity crisis. They can no longer depend on land ownership or military careers, especially with the Indian government reserving prestigious jobs for underprivileged castes. Believers with the right skills can help them during this time of transition.


Prayer Points

Pray for Rajput communities to increasingly grow in awareness of Jesus, his life and his sacrifice for them.
Pray the Lord will give Manj Rajput leaders spiritual hunger, then satisfy that hunger with Christ.
Pray these people will understand the value of becoming part of God's royal family.
Pray for Holy Spirit led humility for all Rajput communities to fall at the feet of the King of kings.
Pray for Rajput families to accept the abundant blessings and guidance offered only by Jesus Christ.


Scripture Prayers for the Rajput Manj in Pakistan.


References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Rajput_clans
http://induhistory.blogspot.com/p/rajput-history.html
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Rajput
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajput
http://allrajputyouthwing.weebly.com/muslim-rajputs-


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Rajput Manj
People Name in Country Rajput Manj
Natural Name Manj Rajput
Alternate Names राजपूत मांज
Population this Country 251,000
Population all Countries 253,000
Total Countries 2
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
Pioneer Workers Needed 5
PeopleID3 21518
ROP3 Code 118321
Country Pakistan
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 7  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Total States on file 4
Largest States
Punjab
222,000
Sindh
27,000
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa
1,500
Islamabad
400
Country Pakistan
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 7  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Total States 4
  Punjab 222,000
  Sindh 27,000
  Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 1,500
  Islamabad 400
Website South Asia Peoples
Primary Religion: Islam
Major Religion Percent *
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.00 %)
0.00 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
100.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
* From latest Pakistan census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.
Primary Language Punjabi, Western (111,000 speakers)
Language Code pnb   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 10
Secondary Languages
Saraiki
85,000
Urdu
18,000
Sindhi
17,000
Marwari (Pakistan)
7,400
Hindko, Southern
3,900
Pahari-Potwari
2,300
Hindko, Northern
600
Bagri
600
Pashto, Northern
100
Primary Language Punjabi, Western (111,000 speakers)
Language Code pnb   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 10
Secondary Languages
  Saraiki 85,000
  Urdu 18,000
  Sindhi 17,000
  Marwari (Pakistan) 7,400
  Hindko, Southern 3,900
  Pahari-Potwari 2,300
  Hindko, Northern 600
  Bagri 600
  Pashto, Northern 100
People Groups Speaking Punjabi, Western

Primary Language:  Punjabi, Western

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1885-1922)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (1819-2021)
Bible-Complete No
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Audio Recordings Audio Bible teaching Global Recordings Network
Audio Recordings DAVAR Partners recording, New Testament DAVAR Partners International
Audio Recordings Love letter to you from scripture Father's Love Letter
Audio Recordings Online Scripture / Bible General / Other
Film / Video Indigitube.tv Video / Animation Create International
Film / Video Jesus Film: view in Punjabi, Western Jesus Film Project
Film / Video World Christian Videos World Christian Videos
General Bible for Children Bible for Children
General Bible in text or audio or video South Asia Bibles
General Biblical answers to your questions Got Questions Ministry
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Four Spiritual Laws Cru
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General Scripture Earth Gospel resources links Scripture Earth
General Voice of the Martyrs resources Voice of the Martyrs
General YouVersion Bible versions in text and/or audio YouVersion Bibles
General Zume Resources Zume Project
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Mobile App Android Bible app: Punjabi, Western YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App iOS Bible app: Punjabi, Western YouVersion Bibles
Text / Printed Matter Cartoon Gospel tract General / Other
Text / Printed Matter Literacy primer for Punjabi, Western Literacy & Evangelism International
Text / Printed Matter Tools for faith conversations Cru
Text / Printed Matter Topical Scripture booklets and Bible studies World Missionary Press
Photo Source Anonymous 
Map Source People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project  
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.


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