Thakkar in India

Introduction / History

The Thakkar or Thakrar are descendants of the ancient Hindu Lohana people. The Lohana were rulers, administrators and warriors of north and west India for over three millennia. They were members of the Kshatriya caste, the second highest caste in Hinduism. In the 18th century the Lohana were defeated by the Muslim armies and became merchants and traders. Some Lohana converted to Islam while most continued to be Hindus. These Hindu businessmen are the Thakkar of today.

The Thakkar encourage their children to go to universities. Many of the Thakkar have become physicians, attorneys, engineers and government leaders. Many are involved in the entertainment field. Some Thakkar have left India and live in Britain, east Africa and in the United States. They form a worldwide business network for other Thakkar.

The primary language of the Thakkar is Marathi. They also speak English and other regional languages.

Where Are they Located?

The vast majority of Thakkar live in the west Indian state of Maharashtra. Smaller numbers live throughout India and in Pakistan.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Thakkar are members of modern Indian society. They live in cities and often are leaders in government and industry.

The Thakkar tend to be people who marry within their Kshatriya caste. Marrying outside of their caste is becoming more common. Traditionally, a newly married Thakkar couple would live with or near the groom's parents. In modern life this is becoming less common. Brahmin priests are hired to officiate their important life ceremonies like births, weddings and funerals.

The Thakkar are not vegetarian but as Hindus they do not eat beef.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Thakkar practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. They worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. Shiva, the destroyer god, and Vishnu in his avatars or Rama and Krishna are given special emphasis. The sun god Surya is a patron deity. Hindus believe that by performing rituals and good works that they will attain moksha or freedom from the endless cycle of birth, death and rebirth. The Thakkar visit Hindu temples and offer prayers, food, flowers and incense to their gods.

The main yearly holidays of the Thakkar people are Holi, the festival of colors, Diwali, the festival of lights and Navratri, the celebration of autumn.

What Are Their Needs?

The Thakkar need to see that material riches cannot bring them forgiveness or peace of mind. They need to hear and understand the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. They need to see the gospel of Christ lived out before them by Christians.

Prayer Points

Pray the Lord will give the Thakkar a spiritual hunger, then satisfy that hunger with the Word of God.
Pray that the Thakkar will understand the value of becoming part of God's family.
Pray for a Holy Spirit led humility for all Thakkar communities to fall at the feet of the King of kings.
Pray that God raises up a disciple making movement in every Thakkar community.

Text Source:   David Kugel