Razu in India

Introduction / History

The Kshatriya Raju or Rajput are a landowning caste who live primarily in North India. They claim to be descendants of princes and army officers who served the various empires and dynasties of North India. For their military service, the Raju received land for their military service. As educated Indians, the Raju speak multiple languages including Hindi-Urdu, English and local dialects. Complete Bibles and many other resources are available in Hindi.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Raju work as business owners and government administrators in law enforcement and as members of the Indian Armed Forces. They also own tracts of land that are frequently cultivated by lower castes. Rajput parents encourage their sons and daughters to graduate from universities and to enter into professions. Families arrange marriages with the consent of the adult young people. They often marry their cousins. Marriage to one spouse is the norm. Sons inherit their father's property. The eldest son takes charge of the family. Brahmin priests officiate at important family ceremonies such as births, weddings and funerals. The Raju cremate their dead and scatter the ashes in holy rivers. The Raju are not vegetarian, but will not eat beef or pork.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Raju practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. They are proud of their Hindu heritage which goes back thousands of years. The Raju worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. Hindus believe that by performing rituals and good works, they will attain moksha or freedom from the endless cycle of birth, death and rebirth. The Raju 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 family relationship with their gods as Christians do. There are many forms of Hinduism, each with its own deities and beliefs. The main yearly holidays of the Raju people are Holi (the festival of colors and the start of spring), Diwali (the festival of lights), Navratri (which celebrates autumn) and Rama Navami (Rama's birthday). The caste system divides Hindus into four main categories. The lowest communities are outside of the caste system. The Raju fall in the second highest caste of Hinduism, the Kshatriya.

What Are Their Needs?

The Raju need to hear and understand the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. He alone can forgive their sin and grant them eternal life.

Prayer Points

Pray that the Lord humbles the Raju and they see their need for a Savior. Pray that the Lord will start a movement of Raju families experiencing God's blessings. Pray for workers to sow God's Word into Raju families, healing and strengthening households with God's blessings.

Text Source:   Keith Carey